Chapter 13
As they emerged from the forest, they saw Boashan waiting for them, a warm smile on her face. "I knew you both were the chosen ones," she said, her eyes shining with pride.
"The Celestial Sphere's power will guide you on your journey."
Grandma, what are you off to? Wei Ying can't help asking, she smirk, don't worry Grandson, you will soon find out.
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan bowed, their hands still clasped around the Sphere. "We won't let you down, Grandma," Wei Ying said, his voice filled with determination.
Boashan's eyes misted with emotion. "I know you won't. You two are the future of your clan, and the fate of the world rests in your hands."
With that, she vanished, leaving them to ponder the weight of their responsibility. They gazed at each other, their bond stronger than ever.
Lan Zhan's voice was firm. "We'll face whatever comes our way, together."
Wei Ying's smile was resolute. "Together, always."
And with that, they set off into the unknown, the Celestial Sphere's power guiding them towards their...whatever it's.
As they journeyed on, the landscape shifted from lush forests to vast deserts, and finally, to snow-capped mountains. They encountered formidable foes and made unexpected allies, their bond growing stronger with each challenge.
As they traversed a treacherous pass, they stumbled upon an ancient scroll buried in the snow. Unfurling it, they discovered a cryptic message:
"When darkness descends,
and all seems lost,
Seek the light within,
and the power will be yours."
Wei Ying's eyes sparkled with understanding. "The Celestial Sphere's power is within us, Lan Zhan!"
Lan Zhan's gaze was equally enlightened. "Our bond is the key to unlocking it!"
With renewed determination, they pressed on, the Sphere's energy coursing through them like a river of light.
Suddenly, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, its presence seeming to draw the very light out of the air.
"The Shadow Emperor," Wei Ying whispered, his voice laced with awe.
Lan Zhan's eyes narrowed. "We won't let him extinguish the light, Wei Ying. Not while we still breathe."
And with that, they charged forward, their bond blazing like a beacon in the darkness.
The Shadow Emperor sneered, his dark energy swirling around him like a vortex. "You think your little bond can defeat me? I have consumed the powers of a thousand warriors!"
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood firm, their hands clasped together, the Celestial Sphere's power pulsing through them. "Our bond is not just about power," Wei Ying said, his voice steady. "It's about trust, unity, and the unwavering belief in each other."
Lan Zhan's eyes shone with determination. "We are the embodiment of the Sphere's power, and we will not let you extinguish it!"
With a fierce move, they charged forward, their swords flashing in the dim light. The Shadow Emperor retaliated with a wave of dark energy, but Wei Ying and Lan Zhan dodged and weaved, their movements synchronized, their bond guiding them.
As they fought, the Celestial Sphere's power grew brighter, illuminating the dark landscape. The Shadow Emperor stumbled back, his eyes widening in disbelief.
"No...this is impossible! You cannot defeat me!"
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood victorious, their bond shining like a beacon. "We are the light in the darkness," Wei Ying said, his voice filled with conviction. "And together, we are unbeatable!"
The Shadow Emperor let out a defeated roar, his dark energy dissipating into nothingness. The landscape brightened, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of victory.
As the darkness receded, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Boashan, her eyes shining with pride.
"Well done, my grandsons," she said, her voice warm with emotion. "You have proven that your bond is the key to unlocking true strength."
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan bowed, their faces flushed with happiness. "We couldn't have done it without each other, Grandma," Wei Ying said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Boashan smiled, her eyes misting with tears. "You two are the future of your clan, and the fate of the world is in your hands. Remember, no matter what challenges you face, your bond will always be the source of your greatest strength."
She grinned, you came for a meal now.
And with that, she vanished, leaving them to ponder the weight of their responsibility. They gazed at each other, their bond stronger than ever.
Lan Zhan's voice was firm. "We'll face whatever comes our way, together."
Wei Ying's smile was resolute. "Together, always."
As they stood there, the Celestial Sphere's power surged around them, illuminating the path ahead. They knew that their journey was far from over, but they were ready for whatever lay in store.
And so, they vanished too back to Grandma mountain.
"Grandma, I'm curious about the challenge you gave us. Is it real or just an illusion? It's all in our heads, right?" Wei Ying asked after dinner.
Boashan grinned. "Not entirely, A'Ying. While it's true that the challenge is largely mental, if he hurts you, you will feel the pain. But don't worry, I can control it with my mind and won't let him harm you."
Wei Ying's curiosity persisted. "But what is this Shadow Emperor? I've never seen anything like it."
Boashan explained, "I summoned it from the Celestial World. It's one of the Jade Emperor's beasts - a powerful creature. I was surprised you killed it, Wei Ying. Your bond and feelings are strong. I think you two are the strongest and rarest true soulmates I've seen or heard of in ages."
Wei Ying and Lan Zhan exchanged a smile, and Wei Ying thanked Boashan. She chuckled, "I'm just having fun with all of you here."
Wei Ying asked Lan Zhan through their mind bond, "Do you want to spend the night here or return to the Cloud Recesses?"
"Whatever Wei Ying wants," Lan Zhan replied.
Wei Ying addressed Boashan, "Grandma, I think we should head back. It's already night, but we'll visit regularly, don't worry." He added the last part when he saw Boashan's face fall, and her mood shifted.
After bidding farewell to Boashan, they returned to Cloud Recesses, stopping by Minshi first to inform Lan Qiren of their arrival. Then, they headed to Jingshi.
After showering and changing into their sleeping robes, Wei Ying snuggled into Lan Zhan's chest as soon as he lay down beside him. Lan Zhan wrapped his long arms around Wei Ying, feeling the warmth and peace of his body. Lying together after a long day, with Wei Ying's weight on his chest, was all Lan Zhan ever wanted.
Lan Zhan kissed Wei Ying's forehead and gently tucked his hair behind his face.
"Wei Ying is tired and should sleep," he said.
Wei Ying pouted, "Lan Zhan, this is cheating! What about our ever day...?" Lan Zhan chuckled and silenced Wei Ying's protest with a kiss on his lips. Then, he gave him a passionate kiss that left Wei Ying's entire body warm and flushed.
Wei Ying couldn't resist anymore and pounced on Lan Zhan, grabbing his lips with a fierce kiss. Lan Zhan laughed and returned the kiss, their bodies entwined in a loving embrace.