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Chapter Text

Synopsis:
Essentially, this AU is a Mo Dao Zu Shi and Tian Guan Ci Fu crossover, but mainly takes place in the MDZS universe, and the TGCF characters are used to represent the past versions of existing (and occasionally new) characters in the MDZS universe. It is mainly centered around MDZS and you don't have to know TGCF to be able to read and digest it. Basically LWJ, LXC, NMJ, NHS, JC, WWX, and JYL are sent back in time. The memories of the time were long since lost to the years due to a large scale cultivation accident that ended up wiping memories on a global scale.

Character Changes:

First off i'll list the characters that have been merged with other characters.

[He Xuan + Qingheng-Jun]: He Xuan is essentially young Qingheng-Jun if that isn't already obvious. Basically, He Xuan was born as the eldest son of the Lan sect, but because his mother was the one who carried the Lan name, they decided to let He Xuan bear the surname of his father, He, and he will merely pass the surname 'Lan' to his offspring. His siblings will also bear the Lan surname. So, in this, He Xuan is his given name, Lan Tao is his courtesy name, Black Water Sinking Boats is a nickname used by enemies and/or criminals, and Qingheng-Jun is his title. The Tao in his name uses the character '涛' meaning Large Wave. Qingheng-Jun is made up of 青 Qīng, meaning green, 蘅 héng meaning Asarum blumei or wild ginger plant, and 君 Jūn meaning lord. His sword is called Hēiyǔ (黑雨) Black rain.

[Madam Lan + Shi Qingxuan]: Honestly, this was probably predictable from my assignment of He Xuan as Qingheng-Jun, but still. Shi Qingxuan in this AU was born female, but often takes the form of a man not only to disguise themself, but also because women in the court are looked down upon, and Shi Wudu pushed for Shi Qingxuan to do so. In this AU Madam Lan is not a rogue cultivator, but rather a member of the 'Shi' clan, which ends up merging with the 'Lan' clan upon the death of Shi Wudu. In this AU Shi Qingxuan is a given name, comprised of 庆 (qìng) meaning celebrate/congratulate and 璇 (xuán) meaning beautiful jade/star. Definitely fits Shi Qingxuan. But anyways, Shi Qingxuan's courtesy name is Shi Dachang. Based on my research for this, Dachang refers to a person who has the potential to attain spiritual enlightenment. Your main strengths are related to introspection and intuition. Essentially you are able to unite the feminine and masculine. Finding balance within two opposing forces which stop confronting and start complementing each other, is an ability few possess. This however does not mean that you are superior to others. Thoughts like this can only lead to emotional imbalance. Dachang represents intuition, enlightenment, dreams, incoherence, anxiety, charisma and a timid persona. '达' meaning arrive at/achieve/intelligent, and '畅' meaning smooth/free/unrestrained.
Again, fits SQX. Their sword is called FēnglìGuǎn (风立管) Or wind bringer

[Hua Cheng + Wen Ruohan]: Alright before anyone comes for me, this has plot related reasons. Basically Hua Cheng was born on the streets and never given a name, instead being called 'Hong Hong-er', when he's younger he meets Xie Lian who calls him 'Wu Ming', and then he's taken into a family and once again not given a proper name, instead being called 'San Lang'. Eventually, he names himself 'Wen Ruohan', and adopts 'Hua Cheng' as a courtesy name. Much like He Xuan, Hua Cheng becomes known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower by his enemies, but his official title is Xuèrì-Jun. Composed of '血', Blood and '日' day/sun. The surname 'Wen' is adopted by the Wen because the name he gave himself 'Hua Cheng', is a name he forbid his family from using. Not only that, but it was lost along with the memories. Before anyone asks, yes the Wens are his blood children. Hua Cheng turned into a woman to bear them because he didn't want XL to go through that. His sword is called E-Ming obviously.

[Lan Qiren + Xie Lian]: I giggled a little writing this but eh. This is something that ALSO has a reasoning behind it. Can't really go into detail about much of the change between LQR and XL without spoiling important plot points, so just bear w me. Xie Lian was born to ANOTHER man, making him and He Xuan half siblings. Once again his given name bears his father's surname. Same rules apply to his surname. His courtesy name is Lan Qiren. His title is Xiányù-Jun, consisting of '贤' meaning Virtuous and '玉' meaning Jade. He doesn't remember his children after the memory wipe, and he doesn't remember him and HC's relationship though there's lingering feelings there. Obviously is sword is called Ruoye.

[Pei Ming + Jin Guanshan]: AGAIN DON'T COME FOR ME! The behavioral change is more of a minor detail in the story that's not even outright stated but kind of a given. Basically, Jin Guanshan was a name he adopted after the memory wipe because he forgot his. All he remembered was the clan name, 'Jin', which was adopted after the merging with Madam Jin's family, the real Jins. Pei Ming is his birth name, while Pei Hongyan bing is his courtesy name. (None use it unless they wish for a slow and agonizing death. If you don't know Hongyan Bing is the chinese word for pinkeye. The disease.) His title is Huangjin-Jun. I know, Golden is basic, don't @ me. His sword is called ShǎonǚXīqìjì (少女吸气剂) or maiden getter.

[Feng Xin + Jiang Fengmian]: Honestly, probably more shocking than Lan Qiren + Xie Lian. But once again, the major details on the change between JFM and FX are spoilers. Like PM, FX forgot his real name upon the memory wipe, and instead adopted the name Jiang Fengmian, and renamed the clan to the Jiang Clan. Originally, it was the Feng clan. Feng Xin is his birth name, Feng Jianhao is his courtesy name. '健' meaning strong/healthy, '豪' brave/heroic/chivalrous. Fènnù-Jun is his title. '愤怒' meaning angry. Though, after the memory wipe it changed to Lěngshuǐ-Jun, meaning 'Cold Water'. His sword is called Límíng (黎明) or Dawn

[Mu Qing + NMJ and NHS unnamed father]: Mu Qing is another one who's name was forgotten. Mu Qing is his given name, and Mu Junjing '俊' meaning Talented/Handsome '精' meaning Spirit/Essence (But don't let him catch you using it because he hates it with a passion. Pei Ming would be and is proud.) His title is Shanjundao-Jun '山军刀' meaning mountain saber. (There's a story behind that I promise.) His sword is called Huánghūn (黄昏) Or Dusk.

World-Building:

I added some things to the world of MDZS based on TGCF.Order of the Heavenly Court:This order is made up of cultivators cultivators who are responsible for maintaining the balance between the mortal world and the heavens. The process of becoming a member of this order is a complicated one, where you have to be intelligent and/or powerful, righteous, and have built up powerful cultivation. You also have to have feats, and though being famous within the cultivation world is helpful it is not required.Heavenly Court cultivators practice a unique form of cultivation that emphasizes harmony with the heavens in addition to their base cultivation. They may have their own set of talismans, techniques, and cultivation arrays that align with their responsibilities.The Heavenly Court order have a governing body akin to the three major sects in MDZS, led by a Heavenly Emperor or Empress instead of a chief cultivator.

Ghost Order:
Unlike the malevolent ghosts seen in MDZS, the Ghost Order cultivators in this sect are souls that have chosen to cultivate and ascend, rather than being trapped spirits.
Ghost Order cultivators specialize in unique techniques related to souls and spirits, such as soul manipulation, spiritual projection, and communicating with the deceased. They may also have their own set of protective talismans and wards against malicious spirits.
The Ghost Order has a ruler or leader who oversees the cultivation of spirits and souls within their order.
Anyone can be a member if they have connections and/or are known evil, and it's kind of like the mafia/yakuza where you know it exists, and you could probably walk by a member and not know. The chances of you being involved are slim to none as well.

Integration with MDZS:
The Heavenly Court and Ghost Realm Sects exist in parallel with the traditional cultivation world of MDZS. They're both like secret socities with their own calling cards that are impossible to fake, but you'd never know who's part of them unless you yourself are involved.
The characters from TGCF are integrated into the MDZS world as members of these two orders. Additionally, their pasts and backstories as well as their relationships with one another have been altered or even in some cases created.
Conflict and collaboration between the three courts (Cultivator, Heavenly, and Ghost) are both rare and also common in an odd sense.

Terms used:
(Credits to: Immortalmountain.wordpress.com)

Shushu叔叔Uncle

Ayi阿姨AuntAuntie, Aunty

Xiongdi兄弟Brother

Dage大哥Big BrotherBoss, Eldest Brother, Big Bro

Ge / Gege / Xiong哥 / 哥哥 / 兄Elder BrotherOlder Brother, Big Brother, Big Bro

Di / Didi弟 / 弟弟Younger BrotherLittle Brother

Jiemei姐妹Sister

Dajie大姐Big SisterEldest Sister, Big Sis

Jie / Jiejie姐 / 姐姐Elder SisterOlder Sister, Big Sister, Big Sis

Mei / Meimei妹 / 妹妹Younger SisterLittle Sister

Xiaojie小姐Miss

Shushu 叔叔 (Uncle) – literally translates as "father's younger brother". Used to politely address men much older than the speaker.

Ayi 阿姨 (Aunt) – literally translates as "mother's sister". Used to politely address women much older than the speaker.

Xiongdi 兄弟 (Brother) – Men commonly call their male comrades / close friends their "Brothers".

Dage 大哥 (Big Brother) – used to politely address men around the same age or older than the speaker (but not old enough to be considered an "Uncle"). Translated as "Boss" when referring to a leader, especially a leader of a group of male friends or of a criminal organization. Used alternatively with Laoda (老大) in this context.

Dajie 大姐 (Big Sister) – used to politely address women around the same age or older than the speaker (but not old enough to be considered an "Aunt").

Xiaojie 小姐 (Miss) – literally translates as "little elder sister". A somewhat antiquated term of address for young ladies.

To give some examples of how these are used:

Two male neighbors named Tang Ping 唐平 (age 32) and Shen Hu 沈虎 (age 36) could call each other Brother Tang 唐兄弟 and Elder Brother Shen 沈兄.Two close friends (or a romantic couple) named Ren Hui 任辉 (male, age 19) and Li Lan 黎兰 (female, age 17) could call each other Big Brother Hui 辉哥哥 and Little Sister Lan 兰妹妹.A traveler (age 25) asking a random middle-aged woman for directions could address her as Auntie 阿姨. But if he wanted to flatter her or be especially polite, he might instead address her as Big Sister 大姐.

In groups of people (and especially in families), the members are sometimes distinguished and addressed according to age/rank, rather than by name.

Examples:

In a group of male friends, they can call each other Boss / Big Bro 大哥, Second Bro 二哥, Third Bro 三哥, Fourth Bro 四哥, Fifth Bro 五哥, etc etc... This could be according to birth order or their social ranking within the group.If someone has several uncles, they can simply be referred to as First Uncle 大舅, Second Uncle 二舅, Third Uncle 三舅, etc etc... This is according to their birth order.If someone has five daughters, they can be referred to as Eldest Daughter 大女儿, Second Daughter 二女儿, Third Daughter 三女儿, Fourth Daughter 四女儿, and Youngest Daughter 小女儿. This is also according to their birth order.

In martial sects and similar organizations, younger disciples often directly apprentice themselves to an elder. The relationship between Master and Apprentice is deep, akin to Parent-and-Child... and the terms of address within a sect reflect this.

Note: Even disciples without masters still use the following terms.

Shigong / Shiye师公 / 师爷GrandmasterMartial Grandfather lit. "teacher grandfather"

Shifu师父 / 师傅Master–lit. "teacher father"

Shibo / Shishu师伯 / 师叔Martial Uncle Uncle-Master lit. "teacher father's elder brother" / "teacher father's younger brother"

Shigu师姑Martial Aunt Aunt-Master lit. "teacher father's sister"

Shizhi师侄Martial Nephew / Martial NieceApprentice-Nephew / Apprentice-Niece lit. "teacher nephew"

Shixiong / Shige师兄 / 师哥Senior BrotherSenior Martial Brother, Senior Apprentice-Brother lit. "teacher elder brother"

Shidi师弟Junior BrotherJunior Martial Brother, Junior Apprentice-Brother lit. "teacher younger brother"

Shijie师姐Senior SisterSenior Martial Sister, Senior Apprentice-Sister lit. "teacher elder sister"

Shimei师妹Junior SisterJunior Martial Sister, Junior Apprentice-Sister lit. "teacher younger sister"

Shishu 师叔 (Martial Uncle) – Despite the literal translation, this term is also commonly used to refer to Martial Aunts.

Shizhi 师侄 (Martial Nephew) – Despite the literal translation, this single term is used for both Martial Nephews & Martial Nieces

In other words:

Your master is your "father". Expanding from there, your master's master is your "grandfather". Your peers in the sect are your "brothers" and "sisters". Your master's peers are his siblings, making them your "aunts" and "uncles". And when your peers (brothers/sisters) one day take on apprentices of their own, those apprentices will be your "nieces" and "nephews".

Senior (前辈 qiánbèi) – a term of address for members of an elder generation.

Junior (晚辈 wǎnbèi) – a term of address for members of a younger generation.

These two terms are relative. A person's "seniority" in comparison to someone else is often determined by age, but social status, expertise, and other factors also play a role. For example, an expert in a field of study would likely be addressed as "Senior" by a novice in the field, even if the novice is older than the expert. And in a company or organization, higher-ranking members/employees are typically Seniors while those beneath them are Juniors.

Lao (老) – means "old/venerable". Translated as Elder. Appended to a person's surname to show respect.

Example: Someone named Zhao Wei 赵伟 could be called Elder Zhao 赵老.

Xiao (小) – means "small/young". Translated as Little. Appended to a person's given name to show familiarity & affection.

Example: Someone named Yao Fang 姚芳 could be called Little Fang 小芳.

Er (儿) – means "child". A diminutive suffix sometimes appended to the given names of children or close friends. Considered cute/endearing.

Example: Someone named Liu Yan 刘艳 could be called Yan'er 艳儿.

Fatty (胖子 pàngzi) – literally "fat person". Appended to an obese person's name as an epithet, usually by friends. At least in ancient China, this wasn't necessarily an insult. Fatness symbolized wealth, prosperity, happiness, and strength. (Since someone who was fat probably wasn't an impoverished and starving peasant...)

Example: Someone named Song Xiang 宋翔 could be called Fatty Song 宋胖子.

ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL INFO WILL BE GIVEN IN THE END NOTES OF THE CHAPTER IT COMES UP IN. ALSO, PLEASE PUT THIS ON MARK FOR LATER IF YOU WANT TO READ THE FIC BECAUSE THIS IS KIND OF LIKE A WIP AND THE FIC WONT BE POSTED TODAY. PROBABLY TMRW OR THE DAY AFTER, BUT MAYBE LONGER.

ALSO, THE TIMELINE IN THIS IS FUCKED ALL THE WAY UP. THE WENS HAVE ALREADY FALLEN AND THE WEN REMNANTS ALREADY TURNED THEMSELVES IN AND CALL KINDS OF STUFF. THE TIMELINE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE MDZS OR TGCF TIMELINE.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang sat on the floor of the Jingshi, with Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, Lan Xichen, Lan Wangji, and Nie Mingjue standing around them. On the floor between Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian were talismans sprawled out on the floor, around a large circular array.

"Is this it?" Asked Jiang Cheng.

"No, this is going to summon my lunch." Said Lan Wangji. It was a silent for a while, before it finally hit the others. 

"NO ONE ASKED YOU!" Snapped Jiang Cheng, looking like he wanted to strangle Lan Wangji. "AREN'T LANS NOT SUPPOSED TO LIE!?"

"It was not a lie. It was a joke. And your question was not directed towards anyone specifically, therefore I can answer if I wish to." Said Lan Wangji, not even sparing him a glance.

"A-Cheng, Hanguang-Jun, how about we settle down?" Coaxed Jiang Yanli, giving them both weary yet soothing smiles.

"Sorry Shijie..." Grumbled Jiang Cheng, and Lan Wangji gave a nod they were assuming was apologetic. Probably.

"Anyways-" Started Wei Wuxian, cracking his knuckles. "It's finished already. All we need to do now is pour our spiritual energy into it. Though, I can't guarantee it'll be painless. After all, it hasn't really been done before. It should pull the soul and golden core from the body first, then transports them into the same timeline as one another, before reforming the body. As the body forms in this new timeline, the old bodies will slowly disappear."

The high probability of death or failure go unsaid. Wei Wuxian didn't need to say it anyways. Everyone in the room knew the risks, but they didn't care. They'd do what they had to do.

Jiang Yanli clasped her hands before her, closing her eyes and bowing her head silently. She had visited Zixuan's grave shortly before this. She was doing this for him, for their son, for their families, for their world. Ah-Ling's corpse was still fresh in her mind, and she bit her lip to keep herself from crying. Her baby. Her newborn baby. 

She'd make sure this time her baby would survive. That he wouldn't suffer the same fate he did in this timeline. That Zixuan will live. That Ah-Xian and Ah-Cheng won't have to be as miserable as they are now. As distant. She hopes her parents can live a good life. If that means being somewhat of a martyr, she'll gladly fill that role.

She opened her eyes, gazing at the group. They all seemed to be deep in thought. Reminiscing. They all had their reasons for agreeing to this, and they all had people they wished were alive but were dead anyways. They'd all loved and lost. All of them now only had the people in this room. Perhaps except for the twin jades, who still had their uncle, but he was teetering between life and death. He had been since his qi deviation. 

"Well, let's get this show on the road." Sighed Nie Huaisang, rising to his feet and covering his face with his fan, and soon Wei Wuxian rose to his feet as well. The array let out a low thrumming sound, no doubt responding to the emotion and determination of those surrounding it. 

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang carefully arranged the tailsmans around the array, before placing tailsmans on each person in turn, placing them right above their golden cores.

"Hopefully, these will keep your golden core, mind, body, and soul intact." Said Nie Huaisang, and Jiang Yanli couldn't help but feel anxious.

Everyone moved so that they were standing in the array, each one standing on the characters that spelled out their names. Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian had added them to make sure no one could accidentally stumble upon them and end up joining them. On purpose or by accident.

The characters of Jiang Yanli's name illuminated a soft lavender color, while Jiang Cheng's was a deeper, richer purple. Wei Wuxian's was a blood red, Lan Wangji's was a pure white, Lan Xichen's was a pale blue, Nie Mingjue's was gold, and Nie Huaisang's was a warm and playful yellow. 

"Focus your energy into the array." Instructed Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Yanli complied. As soon as she did, she felt like she was being drained. Like she was being pulled down yet her body couldn't move. Like she was being ripped in half. It was painless yet discomforting and rather surreal. It was nauseating. She closed her eyes, instead pouring more and more of her qi into the array. Even with her eyes closed she could tell the light got brighter and brighter.

Jiang Yanli couldn't make a sound. She couldn't move, she couldn't speak, and at some point she lost the ability to think. 

At some point, she lost consciousness entirely.

—

It was quiet. Jiang Yanli was floating nothingness—on the fine line between consciousness and unconsciousness. It seemed like she floated for an eternity, eyes closed and breathing deeply and barely breathing at the same time. Like she was teetering between life and death. Like one small push would send her to her demise. It was peaceful, however. Like her soul, heart, and mind could finally be at peace and rest for the first time since god knows when. 

And then, there was a blinding light, and a twitch in the tips of her fingers. There was sounds, and the smell of a medical wing. She could hear people talking all around her, and the sounds of people bustling around. Jiang Yanli slowly opened her eyes, looking around at the people surrounding her bed. None of them were recognizable, but they wore the Jiang Sect robes.

"So you're awake?" Asked one of them. The one who must've been regulating her qi as she was unconscious, as two of their fingers were pressed to her pulse point. "My name is Feng Yìzé (奕泽), I am one of the Feng Clan's senior healers."

"The Feng...Clan?" Repeated Jiang Yanli. They wore distinctly Jiang robes yet claimed to be of the Feng Clan, and she knew the Jiang existed back then. Though...After the memory wipe, she did know that her father couldn't remember his name, and the clan couldn't remember their old name. Perhaps it used to be Feng.

"Yes. The Yunmeng Feng Clan." Said Feng Yize, giving her a warm and kind smile. "Tell me, can you feel anything? Can you move?"

Jiang Yanli pushed herself up to attempt to sit upright. Her limbs were sore and weak, her joints cracking as she moved. Her muscles strained to hoist her up, before she sat up straight.

"I feel sore. And as you just saw...I can move." Said Jiang Yanli, giving him a small smile.

"That's good, that's good. Tell me, do you know your name, where you're from, what year it is, and what happened to you?" Questioned Feng Yize.

"My name is... Jiang Yanli. I don't know where I'm from, but I remember...Lotus Roots. I don't know the year. And...I remember me and my brothers traveling, and being attacked by something." Said Jiang Yanli slowly. She was only lying when she absolutely has to. She remembered traveling with her brothers and being attacked, and she remembers lotus fruits, and she truly does not know the year. However, she does know where she's from. She decided to give her name because it wouldn't be as significant now. She only hopes it wouldn't be suspicious if her brothers wake up and don't remember an attack, or say something different.

"I see." Said Feng Yize, giving a glance to another younger cultivator beside him, who was writing down notes on her. "Do you know your age? Do you have any family members we can contact? You said you have brothers, right?"

"...Right. I am Twenty-five. The only family members I have are my brothers, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Wanyin." Said Jiang Yanli, gazing at the man.

"I see." Said Feng Yize, before saying something in a hushed voice to another healer that wasn't writing notes, before the healer got up and left. "So, tell me, are you in any pain?"

"No."

"Good, good. And do you mind if we do some tests on you to make sure you're functioning properly?" Questioned Feng Yize, to which Jiang Yanli gave a nod. "Good."

Feng Yize started with her reflexes, then checked her qi circulation, meridians, golden core, response times, asked her some basic questions for math, did some light tests using a talisman he made shine, and did many vision tests, as well as had her follow his finger with her eyes. Next, he helped her up and had her attempt to walk, supporting her as she made her attempt. She could, albeit her legs were very wobbly and she couldn't support her body weight that well.

They were halfway back from the other side of the room where the door opened again, and the healer from before, shaking their head at Feng Yize, who let out a small sigh before helping her the rest of the way back to the bed and settling her back down.

"Can you give me some information on your brothers, ma'am? Anything you can remember. Like their appearances, ages, residence...?" Prompted Feng Yize, keeping a hand on her back to help support her as she was weak from her attempt at walking. The healer who was taking notes momentarily paused, having nothing else to write, while the healer who had left had returned and was preparing some tea.

"Uhm...Jiang Wanyin is my blood brother. He's...Twenty. He's very handsome, with extremely sharp features, and he has thin eyebrows and eyes like mine. His hair is black and always in a bun, with long bangs. He's 185 cm I believe. And I don't remember where he lives." Stated Jiang Yanli, gazing at the doctor, who nodded. "My other brother is Wei Wuxian. He's not my blood, but he's just as much my brother as Ah-Cheng. He's also very handsome, and always smi—Uhm, anyways...He has gray eyes and very long eyelashes, and his hair is black and always in a ponytail. He's Twenty as well, and about 186 cm."

Jiang Yanli faltered when she was going to say Wei Wuxian is always smiling. He used to always be smiling, way back when. He was like the sun, bright and happy, always smiling that infectious smile of his, and making the most of everything. She wasn't sure what happened to him. Perhaps that was the toll of demonic cultivation. Perhaps the war got to him. But either way, her Ah-Xian is not always smiling like he always used to.

Feng Yize nodded along with what she said, before the other healer brought him the tea they were brewing, and he held it up to her lips, urging her to take a sip. "This tea is to help with your core. It's severely drained, as well as strained. If we get your core revitalized, you'll be good to go."

Jiang Yanli nodded, taking a tentative sip of the tea. It was an odd mix of bitter and sour, but she drank it all. She could feel the warmth it supplied, spreading through her entire body and making her feel more rejuvenated.

"Very good." Smiled Feng Yize, passing the empty teacup to the third healer, and gazing at the notes the second had been taking.

"I will leave you in the care of Zhang Ài (爱) while I check on the other patients, alright?" Said Feng Yize, gesturing to the third healer, who gave Jiang Yanli a warm smile of her own. Feng Yize then placed a tailsman on the notes the second healer had taken, then another onto another page, which had some ink poured onto it. Jiang Yanli then realized they had copied the text. Interesting.

Feng Yize passed the copy to Zhang Ai, the two exchanging hushed words before Feng Yize and the second healer left the room.

"Are you hungry?" Asked Zhang Ai, gazing at Jiang Yanli.

"Not yet." Said Jiang Yanli, shaking her head.

"Alright. Then, how about you rest and I'll wake you when it's time for your dinner, alright?" Asked Zhang Ai, before helping Jiang Yanli gently lay down, and draping the blanket at the end of the bed over her.

"Thank you, Zhang Yīshī." Said Jiang Yanli.

"Ah, just call me Zhang Ai. There's no need for such formal addresses for me." Said Zhang Ai, giving her another smile.

"Then thank you, Zhang Ai. And you may call me Jiang Yanli if you'd like" Said Jiang Yanli.

"Then you're very welcome, Jiang Yanli."

As soon as Jiang Yanli shut her eyes, she was taken by a deep slumber.

—

She didn't know how much she slept in those first few days. Her body grew stronger each time she awoke, a sign she would soon be able to leave her medical room. When she was awake, she was drinking that medicinal tea, eating, bathing, or getting checks by Zhang Ai. After that, she fell back into a deep slumber. On the seventh day, she was as strong as ever, and finally able to leave her room.

She had been informed she was in the Feng Sect's home, the Amber Compound, because she had been found outside of it with Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian, and it was the first year of the Wánměi de huángjīn era. The Perfect Gold era. From what she remembered, the memory wipe happened at the end of the era, so she had about thirty years. It's plenty of time.

She walked through the halls of the med wing, heading towards Wei Wuxian's room. He was recovering slower than Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng were, no doubt because of the demonic cultivation he practiced before.

When Jiang Yanli arrived, Jiang Cheng was already there, sitting at the end of Wei Wuxian's bed.

"Shijie!" Called Wei Wuxian, perking up. He noticed her first, as Jiang Cheng's back was to the door.

Jiang Cheng immediately whipped around. "Ah-Jie!"

“How are my Ah-Cheng and Ah-Xian doing?” Asked Jiang Yanli, smiling widely. She’d missed them when she was stuck in that bed, recovering from transporting themselves back in time.

Jiang Yanli sat down on a chair beside Wei Wuxian’s bed, gazing at the two.

“Shijie! Xian Xian is only three but he’s stuck in here instead of playing!~” Whined Wei Wuxian, pouting. “Xian Xian is already better but they still stuck Xian Xian in this room!”

“I’m sure Xian Xian will get out soon enough.” Said Jiang Yanli, giving the two a small smile.

There was a knock on the door, and Wei Wuxian immediately called ‘Come in.’, prompting Feng Yize to enter the room, letting out a sigh and pushing his glasses up on his nose. In his hand he held papers.

“Sorry to interrupt your reunion, but I had some…Concerning things to speak to you three about. I wasn’t going to say anything until Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng recovered, as stress could halt their recovery.” Said Feng Yize, approaching the group. 

Wei Wuxian immediately looked at Jiang Cheng, who looked at Jiang Yanli, who was looking at Wei Wuxian.

“It’s concerning Wei Wuxian’s slow recovery. From what I can tell, he’s continuously flushing his system of resentful energy, while simultaneously growing a brand new golden core. Not only that, but his body keeps attempting to draw in qi, but his golden core—or formerly lack thereof—cannot hold any qi, which is affecting his healing process as well. He’s healing even slower than a non-cultivator would because of all these factors.” Stated Feng Yize, just ripping the bandaid off. “If I may, how did you lose your core? I will not ask you how it’s growing back, because it is not a conscious thing and therefore you likely don’t know. Not that I know either.”

Jiang Yanli’s heart dropped. She knew Wei Wuxian was practicing demonic cultivation, but she didn’t know he did not have score. It felt like her heart stopped beating, but was also beating faster than ever before at the exact same time. It was probably her gold core stilling, and her heart racing. That was probably why she suddenly grew so cold.

She was aware of the conversation around her, but nothing really registered to her. It was all muffled, like she was underwater. Her vision blurred, and the world around her spun. Her ears rang, and she could feel herself getting lightheaded. Her breathing was so, so heavy, and it sounded so deafening to her. 

It looked like everything around her was delayed. It looked like everything was happening so late, and it was so choppy, like one second someone’s mouth was open then the next it cut to their mouth being shut. 

What happened to her Ah-Xian? What did he go through? Did it happen in that amount of time when they were separated? Is that why he turned to demonic cultivation so suddenly? Was it after the fall of lotus pier? Did when Zhuliu do it?

She was brought back to reality by a hand on hers. 

“Shijie, I’ll be okay.” Said Wei Wuxian, gazing down at Jiang Yanli with a concerned look in his eyes. He gave her a comforting smile. “And if all goes well…When I’m brought into the world this time, I won’t have to lose my core, alright? We’ll fix it, Shijie. I promise.”

Jiang Yanli felt a strong urge to cry. “Why is it my Ah-Xian has to comfort me and he’s the one who lost his core, hmm? This Shijie will be alright. You should worry more about yourself.”

Jiang Yanli gave his hand a small squeeze, and she gave him a smile of her own. She then rose to her feet and wrapped her arms around her brothers.

“I promise, this Shijie will protect both of you, just like I failed to do before. When we are born again, I will make sure you will live in a world where you don’t need to face the hardships you have.” Said Jiang Yanli, her voice barely above a whisper. “I promise.”

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji woke up to a rather stern woman named Lan Míng asking him questions, then force feeding him medicine and forcing him to lay down and rest.

Lan Wangji couldn't just lay down and let sleep take him. He was not one for halting his recovery, however, he couldn't just sit back and not even try and gather information on this new time. He had to check on his brother, find Wei Ying, gather information on where he is, hatch a plan, and meditate.

When he collapsed in the middle of the hall, and Lan Ming found him on the floor, she threatened to sedate him. 

Lan Wangji tried the same thing the next day, and found himself with needles in his head. 

When he didn't have needles in his head he was restrained to keep from fleeing, and that lasted for about three days before he made a full recovery. Lan Ming said he was lucky he had a strong core, as well as a strong body.

Lan Xichen had apparently recovered at around the same time as him, as he entered his room as soon as Lan Ming left.

"Wangji," Started Lan Xichen, locking the door behind him and putting up a silencing tailsman he must've made in secret. "From what I've gathered we're at the beginning of The Perfect Gold Era, and the Lan Sect has the same surname in this timeline. The others aren't with us, and I'm not sure if they wound up somewhere else, or if they didn't make it."

Lan Wangji clenched his jaw. He'd almost lost Wei Ying more times than he could count. He doesn't know what he'd do if he lost him for real this time. 

"I'm sure Wei Gongzi is alright. He's never been known to go down very easily, even if the odds are greatly against him." Lan Xichen let out a small chuckle, closing his eyes and shaking his head in fondness and exasperation from the many memories he had that proved his point.

Lan Wangji just nodded.

"In any case...What did you tell them your name was?" Asked Lan Xichen.

"They think I am mute." Said Lan Wangji, his usually deep voice now rough due to the lack of use for so long after him being woken up.

Lan Xichen blinked owlishly at him, before letting out a small laugh. 

"I see. Well, I just told them my name given name was Huan and my courtesy name is Xichen, and implied I didn't know my family name without explicitly stating I didn't by mentioning my orphan status." Said Lan Xichen.

Lan Wangji nodded. He was unsure if they should do whatever it takes to abide by the 'No lying rule' in this new time. On one hand, it will be hard to not lie, and if they use half truths or try and make people believe one thing without stating it, they'll grow suspicious. On the other hand, Lan Wangji wasn't even entirely sure he knew how to lie. He'd never had to do so before. He'd tried when he was younger, and was punished deeply for it.

"Then I will say the same. I will say my brother's visit prompted me to finally speak, for the first time since awakening." Stared Lan Wangji, closing his eyes and letting out a sigh.

Lan Xichen nodded, before sitting at the end of Lan Wangji's bed. "Have you tried using cultivation since arriving?"

Lan Wangji shook his head. "I do not have my qiankun bag or bichen."

When Lan Wangji had realized he didn't have any of his spiritual tools, he felt a strong urge to ask someone about it, but it would blow his cover of being mute. And then, Lan Wangji paused. He had an idea. Sign language was something all cultivators had to learn for missions, so communicating through it would be easy, but it would also enable him to tell lies. He would not be telling them, he would be signing them.

Lan Wangji looked at Lan Xichen. "Brother. I will use sign language from now on."

Lan Xichen paused, blinking owlishly at him. Lan Wangji just stared back.

"If...That's what you wish to do." Said Lan Xichen slowly.

It was silent for a few seconds.

"Anyways, I think the best course of action would be to try and become Lan disciples. Maybe even get closer to the main family, and become adopted by them. That would allow us to get close to important people, gain more information, and not be questions as much. We should also build up reputations in this timeline." Said Lan Xichen, and Lan Wangji agreed.

It was then that Lan Wangji realized his mother was still alive, and happy. He would be able to see his mother again, even if she would not know who he was and she would not be able to find out. His uncle wasn't bedridden either, he's conscious and strong. And his father was alive too, he supposed. He could change that.

There was a knock on the door, and Lan Xichen immediately snatched the tailsman off the door, pushing it into his inner robe and unlocking the door, before moving back to the bed and calling out 'Come in!'

Lan Ming entered, but she was not alone. She was accompanied by a tall man with his hands held in front of him. Lan Wangji noted his close resemblance to Lan Zixchen. They possessed the same eyes, but the man's were black instead of gray, yet they were just as bright and clear, like a lake in the dead of night. His hair was also styled similarly to Lan Xichen's, his black hair partially tied back, and he had thick eyebrows that were straight and created a solemn look on his face. The clothing he wore indicated him being a high ranking Lan Cultivator.

"It is nice to meet the two of you," said the man, bowing to them. "I am Jun Wu, the current Lan Sect Leader."

Lan Wangji didn't know how he was the Lan Sect Leader if he was not a Lan.

"Ah, my wife Lan Nianqing is the one who carries the Lan name." Said Jun Wu, giving the two a smile.

How did he know that's what the two were thinking? Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes at the man. There was something about him that was off-putting. Something that made the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and put him on edge.

"So you are Xiao Xichen, right?" Asked Jun Wu, gazing at Lan Xichen who nodded. "And that is your brother? Ah, what is his name? Lan Yishi doesn't know it, as he's mute."

"Zhan, courtesy name Wangji." Signed Lan Wangji. Signing his name was basic, but beggars cannot be choosers.

"Xiao Zhan is a rather nice name." Smiled Jun Wu. "Ah, I'm sorry, that was inappropriate. Xiao Wangji."

Lan Wangji just stared at him.

"It must be hard being mute in an unfamiliar place with no memories, no?" Asked Jun Wu. "Far from home, alone for days knowing your brother is so close but being kept away from you. Like the sun has set."

"A wise person once said 'Even if the sun doesn't seem like it's shining on you, know that the moon's light is a reflection of the sun's splendor. If it does not shine on you directly, you may still bathe in it's light. And soon, it will rise again, and you will be able to see it directly'" When Lan Wangji was finished, he had a cramp.

His mother used to say that to him. She used to say it when she held him in her lap all those times when he visited the Gentian house, and ask her if she's sad in there alone all the time.

Jun Wu paused, before giving a rather unsettling smile to Lan Wangji.

"Well said Wangji." Smiled Lan Xichen. "And in any case, all things happen for a reason. All you need to do is learn that reason. Not only that, but you will learn from it and become better because of it. If you know that, any level of suffering doesn't truly seem that bad."

Lan Wangji nodded.

"Such wise words. Though, are you sure you can say them in the face of suffering? When you are at your lowest? At your worst?" Asked Jun Wu, still smiling.

"I am sure." Said Lan Xichen, and Lan Wangji only offered a nod.

"I am glad to hear that." Said Jun Wu, his smile widening and growing more unsettling. "The two of you have strong cultivation, and strong golden cores. Are you affiliated with any sect?"

"We were taught by our uncle, and the rest of our family." Said Lan Xichen. "Though, our teachers are long gone by now. Any sect we were allied with no longer exists. It was destroyed with our parents."

Lan Wangji said and did nothing. It was true. Their teachers were dead or abandoned in a timeline that will cease to exist. The sects they allied with in the future are not the sects that exist now in this timeline, and their father died when the cloud recesses was destroyed by the wens. Not only that, but his corpse was destroyed when they went back in time and destroyed their timeline.

"I see. How would you two like to join the Lan clan, then? You are promising cultivators. Such talent shouldn't go to waste, no?" Asked Jun Wu.

Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji were both taken aback by this offer, making eye contact. Lan Xichen didn't seem unsettled by him like Lan Wangji was, but he did sense that Lan Wangji was shocked by the offer. Not that he himself was.

"Please give us a day to think on it, Lan Zongzhu." Said Lan Xichen, rising to his feet and giving Jun Wu a bow.

"Of course." Smiled Jun Wu, rising and returning it though not bowing as low. "Take all the time you need. Now, I will leave you two to your own devices."

And just like that, he left.

Lan Wangji watched him leave, Lan Ming on his trail. The entire situation was odd to him.

"What's wrong, Wangji?" Asked Lan Xichen, sitting back down at the end of the bed.

"He is unsettling. And he has no reason to offer us a position in the sect himself without seeing our cultivation, testing our strengths, or evaluating our minds. But he did. He does not even know who we are." Said Lan Wangji, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I'm sure it's because of the strength of our cores. Ours are extremely powerful, and I doubt he'd miss the chance to have us in his sect. And I'm sure he'll test us later." Said Lan Xichen. "Do not worry so much, Wangji."

Lan Wangji furrowed his eyebrows. The last time he was told that, people died. It's always "Do not worry so much, Wangji." "It does not concern you, Wangji." "Turn a blind eye, Wangji." "Stay out of it, Wangji." "Get lost, Wangji." But when he does not involve himself, or isn't suspicious, he suffers the consequences. He can never win.

—

Lan Wangji was doing a handstand when Lan Ming walked in. His eyes were closed in clear meditation, and his robes somehow stayed up, no doubt from his qi, as did his hair. It was like he wasn't even upside down. Like gravity was above rather than below.

"Wangji," Said Lan Ming, grabbing his attention. "It's time for your examination."

Lan Wangji said nothing, but stood upright again in one graceful movement. He turned to Lan Ming, his robes still unwrinkled and impeccable in a way that'd be suspicious if Lan Ming cared. Which she didn't. 

Lan Wangji quickly learned that she cared for nothing but medicine and patients, and even then she had only two whole fucks to give before she ran out. If she was generous. Her priority was saving lives, not the patient's feelings, opinions, or personal lives.

"Come. Lay down." Snapped Lan Ming. "I don't have all day. I still have many patients in my care, including your brother."

Lan Wangji sighed laid down on his bed, parting his robes enough to give her access to his chest. He knew the routine by now, and both of them wanted the checkup to be over with sooner rather than later.

Lan Ming parted it slightly more, before pressing a cold hand to the right side of his chest. He could feel the slight intrusion of foreign qi, almost unnoticeable and like a strand of hair. Just enough to feel around.

Lan Ming furrowed her eyebrows, gazing down at him with an expression even more unreadable than it usually was.

"Did anything happen from between your last checkup and now?" Questioned Lan Ming, furrowing her eyebrows.

"No." Signed Lan Wangji. He was not lying.

"I can tell you're telling the truth. Which is more disturbing," stated Lan Ming, retracting her palms from his chest. "Your qi is responding to wounds that don't exist. The lack of them is agitating your qi, therefore increasing your risk of a qi deviation. Your qi keeps attempting to heal wounds, but when there's nothing to heal your qi grows restless, agitated, and scared. I think it's a new occurrence, as the act and the reaction is minor and almost unnoticeable. But if it keeps going, you are not only at high risk of a qi deviation, but it could be painful, restrict your cultivation, or even cause changes to your temperament. Possibly your mental abilities as well."

"I don't think paralysis would happen, not in this case, though it isn't unheard of for unstable qi to lead to paralysis. Your core seems to be used to healing these wounds, and because of that, it regularly flows qi into it. Because of the sudden lack of the wound, your core is growing shocked or restless. Usually, the healing is gradual so both the core and qi can adjust, even with cultivation, but it's like it was there one second and gone the next. There's no sign of a curse either. The non-existent wounds are plentiful on your back. Akin to...Discipline whips. Your back doesn't have an area that doesn't possess them, and if the wounds were real, you'd be borderline mangled. There's also a wound in the shape of a mark on your chest. No...More of a scar than a wound. And one that had no doubt almost fully healed if it was real."

Lan Wangji paused, gazing up at her with wide eyes. He didn't think his wounds would carry over, even in a ghost-like shadow of what they originally were. And he knew he couldn't explain it.

"I won't ask you any questions. We have about...Four days before it becomes a major problem. I will wait until the fourth to start treatment unless I find the perfect, non harmful alternative, because the only thing I can think of is creating pseudo wounds. They don't have to be large as of right now, just enough to bleed slightly. Not even enough to scar." 

Lan Wangji just nodded.

He was tired. So, so tired.

—

"LAN WANGJI!" The voice of one of the Lan Clan Elders Lan Wangji couldn't think to name echoed through the cloud recesses. "NOT ONLY HAVE YOU ASSOCIATED WITH A DEMONIC CULTIVATOR, BUT YOU HAVE HARMED THIRTY THREE ELDERS! DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY FOR YOURSELF!?"

"Yelling is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses." Said Lan Wangji, staring straight ahead. As soon as he entered the gates spiritual ropes were sent out and bound him, and a spiritual net also captured him. They had trapped and detained him so that he could not move, and positioned him on his knees. "I also humbly ask for our elders to sharpen their swordsmanship, for I fear for their safety after their junior who is just barely a man defeated them."

"LAN WANGJI!" Snapped the elder, but he seemed to not be able to think of anything else to say. His face was red and his veins were bulging, and he walked with an odd limp Lan Wangji himself had inflicted upon him.

"Unnecessary repetition is forbidden in the cloud recesses. One must be concise and to the point." Stated Lan Wangji, still staring straight ahead, not once faltering.

"Qiren! Will you let him show such disrespect? Punish him if! Punish him for what he did in the stead of the absent Sect Leader!" Snapped the Lan Elser.

Lan Wangji noted how Lan Xichen was conveniently away. How his brother had been summoned by the Nie Sect Leader as soon as his approach was announced from Caiyi, and how they waited for him just long enough to not be lying when they said they did. 

"You will receive ten lashes from the discipline whip for every elder you have harmed. That is three hundred and thirty in total. Begin."

Lan Wangji felt something make contact with his back through his robes, catching him off guard. As soon as the contact stopped, another came from the other side. He could hear the audible count of his uncle.

'One'

The whip dug into his skin, shredding through his robes and sending a sharp, searing, stinging pain through his body. He could feel it's friction against the flesh as it was drawn back, only for another to replace it. 

'Two'

This lash crossed over the other, digging into the skin even deeper. It hurt. It hurt like hell.

"Wei Ying, I love you."  Lan Wangji's words echoed through his mind, but the response he received hurt more than the lashes he was receiving. "GET LOST!"

'Five'

Lan Wangji felt his body lurch forward, but he stayed strong and upright, staring straight ahead. 

'Ten'

Lan Wangji felt his body go weak, the ropes still keeping him up. Most others would've probably been unconscious after ten strikes. Either from pain, the bodily harm, or the immense blood. The discipline whips were made to hurt, scar, shred, drain qi, draw mass amounts of blood, slow healing, and in some cases—kill.

'Fifteen'

At some point, Lan Wangji grew both numb and hyper aware of the pain at the same time. It was an overwhelming experience. He still did not make a sound, even as his blood pooled beneath him and was sent flying around the courtyard by the whips that had yet to relent in their strikes. His body was limp, being held up only by the ropes that bound him. His eyes had shut from the pain, and sweat dripped from his brow.

'Twenty' 

Lan Wangji's vision blurred, and his head spun. Until finally, he lost consciousness.