#auspiciousagony

NOW COMPLETED!

auspicious agony

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by the younger generation

Slow-burn (200k+)

COMPLETED

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

I'm surprised by my ability to stick to the schedule I imposed on myself! So, I return to you with another part! I hope you'll enjoy! Have a lovely week!

auspicious agony

CHAPTER TWO

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

Canon Divergence: Rogue Cultivator! WWX

{🐇}

Seeing the man lift his hand to strike, Wei Wuxian instinctively moves to deflect it, but halts, having realised it would only cause uproar. Instead, he covers Yutu with his body, shielding the boy from having to witness the scene.

The strike never comes. Long, nimble fingers have captured the cultivator’s wrist. “Explain,” he commands, his voice steady and placid.

The space around Wei Wuxian suddenly fills with white; white robes with intricate embroidery float in the air, followed by thick ink-black hair that falls into place as if choreographed.

The world gasps and is plunged into stunned silence.

Wei Wuxian, in that very moment, starts to feel real fear. There’s one person whose faith dances to the chords of chaos.

Hanguang-jun, in all his glory, caressed by sunlight and adored by the spring breeze.

Hanguang-jun.

Lan Wangji.

(Lan Zhan.).

Time has been exceedingly benevolent to him, as expected of the prodigy of his generation. His countenance bears more solemnity, yet has remained equally exquisite as the day Wei Wuxian last saw him.

“Hanguang-jun,” Wei Wuxian and the cultivator say in unison.

The momentum is ruined the moment the cultivator starts talking. “Those two claim to have made the talismans they’re selling, but one cannot deny that the quality exceeds the alleged makers’ abilities. This one suspects that the talismans are either stolen or fake.”

“His Excellency, all the talismans this one is selling were made by this one’s apprentice and this one,” he states with confidence without sounding arrogant.

“Mo Xuanyu,” The Chief Cultivator addresses him, his golden eyes on him. Oh, those golden eyes. Wei Wuxian vividly remembers his arduous efforts in his youth to ensure this gaze landed on him, again and again, and once again. (Look at me, Lan Zhan! Notice me! Lan Zhan, see me!) As the Yilling Patriarch, he deliberately evaded Lan Zhan’s gaze, desperately wishing for Lan Zhan not to see what had become of him. “You have been absent.”

“This one has been travelling, His Excellency.”

“This?” He looks at the stall.

“A means of funding my travels.”

Hanguang-jun looks at Yutu.

“My son,” he answers the unspoken question.

Yutu’s grip on Wei Wuxian’s robe tightens.

. Wei Wuxian recognises a question on Hanguang-jun’s face. “Not my blood. My son, nevertheless.”

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (100k+)

updates every Saturday, next update: 7th of March 2026

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support this work has received! It means so much to me that there are people willing to read and engage with my work. So, thank you to everyone who is here! 🧚💫🫶🏻

auspicious agony

Chapter 16: purple pleasantries and violet vexations

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

{🐇🌩️🏹🕊️🪷🍎💗🦉🌔} They’re sitting outside, the evening is warm yet refreshing. Lan Zhan puts a jar of Emperor Smile on the table. “Lan Zhan, I thought drinking was forbidden in Cloud Recess!” “It is not Cloud Recess. It is home.” Home. They are home. (Lan Zhan, how can you say it so effortlessly!) Wei Wuxian cannot help but smile. “It’s been so long since I had Emperor’s Smile. So long! I have been neglected!” “Mm.” Lan Zhan pours the alcohol for Wei Wuxian. “Ah! I feared I might have forgotten the taste!” Wei Wuxian says after he finishes drinking. “Do not be mistaken, Lan Zhan, I love Yan’s wine, but Emperor’s Smile has a special place in my heart! I should tell you, Lan Zhan, I never drink around children. I used to have a drink or two when it was just Yutu, Lei, and Meng, and, besides, they were not that little back then. But with toddlers, oh, no, never. Lan Zhan, I will tell you a secret! One time, I got drunk with Sizhui and Jingyi. On this very roof.” “It sounds…entertaining.” “It was! It was so much fun! Since we decided to share custody over Sizhui, I’ve decided that he will receive no punishment.” “We are not in Cloud Recess,” Lan Zhan reminds him. “Lan Zhan, indeed. How delightful, that you’re so smart!” Lan Zhan pours him another cup.

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by the younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (200k+)

updates every Saturday

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

auspicious agony

CHAPTER THREE

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

Canon Divergence: Rogue Cultivator! WWX

{🐇}

While they’re travelling to another town within the Yunmeng area, during a break, Yutu leans and whispers to him, “We’re being followed.”

Wei Wuxian smirks. “I was wondering when you’ll notice.”

Indeed, Wei Wuxian first noticed a presence a week ago. He could barely contain his smirk at the absurdity of him spying on the little Jiangs while someone else was simultaneously spying on him. Delightful! He’s been waiting, anticipating the reveal of the person’s intention. Admittedly, he’s intrigued (he did borrow that dictionary).

Yutu frowns.

“Your face is not made for frowns, little bunny,” Wei Wuxian says, lifting his hand to smooth the skin between the boy’s brows. “Feign obliviousness.”

“But what if—”

“They’ve been on our tail for a while,” Wei Wuxian reasons. “I’d say that shortly after we rebuilt those houses. They had plenty of opportunities to hurt us. Let them be for now.”

“Are you not concerned?” Yutu wonders.

“I’m cautious.”

“You’re curious.” Wei Wuxian doesn’t miss the accusation.

“Oh, how well you know me!” He squeezes Yutu’s cheeks.

Lacking an alternative, they proceed with their regular lives.

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by the younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (100k+)

updates every Saturday

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

auspicious agony

Chapter Four [4/16]

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

Canon Divergence: Rogue Cultivator! WWX

{🐇🌩️🏹}

What a twist of fate; once upon a time, the Lan by Wei Wuxian’s side was Lan Wangji. In his second life, it is Sizhui, Lan Wangji’s son. With their fighting styles decently compatible, once they find a rhythm, nighthunting together becomes easy and efficient.

Sizhui is a delightful travel companion; competent and sharp-minded, and he’s so very like his father that being in his presence is almost agonising. (After all this time, Wei Wuxian is joyous to receive anything from Lan Zhan, even if agony. He cannot bring himself to complain. He’s acquainted with various types of agony, most intimately with the sense of helplessness, the desperation, the futility of efforts. His current type of agony almost appears auspicious, a signifier of renewal and redemption.

Seemingly having taken Wei Wuxian’s advice to heart, Sizhui submits to Wei Wuxian’s corruption. He tries various local dishes, also those vastly different from the Lan palette (once he almost cries after trying on a dish with too many spices) (almost, fear not, Lan Zhan I will forever preserve your son’s dignity!) and sits through gossip sessions with aunties, sometimes throwing Wei Wuxian a questioning look when he struggles to decipher a connection between events.

Contrary to his father, Sizhui possesses a rare quality for Lans: a willingness to talk. He is not opposed to discussing matters like his childhood and life in Cloud Recess, the expectations that come with being Hanguang-jun’s son, and his friendships, in particular with Jin Ling, Lan Jingyi, and Ouyang Zizhen.

With Sizhui’s openness comes Wei Wuxian’s willingness to tell him things, mostly about Lan Zhan. Many little facts about Lan Zhan—not Lan Wangji, not Hanguang-jun, not His Excellency, Lan Zhan—have died with Wei Wuxian, and now that he has a chance to pass them to Lan Zhan’s son, he must restrain himself not to tell Sizhui everything, including the information Mo Xuanyu should not have.

With a Lan by his side, Wei Wuxian needs not concern himself with funds. Whenever Sizhui offers to pay for their meal, Wei Wuxian must swallow the “Did you know, a long time ago I invited your father for a meal and he ended up paying for it? Ha! I could never repay this favour! So, you have to allow me to pay. A favour repaid! A generation later, but repaid!”

When in between their quests, they’re sitting in a restaurant, and a group of men at the table next to them looks too deeply into their cups, guffawing and throwing crude jokes, Wei Wuxian almost mentions. “Did you know that your father is a horrible drunk? Death by a thousand cuts? Ha! A defeat by a single cup of alcohol!”

When Sizhui is playing quin before bed, still insisting on performing Cleansing for Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian almost says, “Do you know that your father once played a song for me? He never told me its name, that fuddy-buddy.”

Sizhui is munching on a bunny-shaped tunghulu while they’re strolling through a marketplace, when Wei Wuxian asks.

“Why a bunny?”

“They remind me of Cloud Recess,” the boy says easily.

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by the younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (100k+)

updates every Saturday

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

auspicious agony

Canon Divergence: Rogue Cultivator! WWX

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (100k+)

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

I've had such a busy week, I'm glad to have some time off!

I'm so looking forward to spring! The days have already gotten much warmer, and I've been exploring new trails in my local forest.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 🫶🏻

auspicious agony

Chapter Four [6/16]

(alternative title: Wei Wuxian keep adopting children and everybody has to bear with him)

Canon Divergence: Rogue Cultivator! WWX

He’s chasing a resentful spirit, hiding in the tree branches, as Meng taught him, when suddenly a white silhouette jumps in front of the spirit. Wei Wuxian ceases his movements.

As expected, he knows this person. He’d recognise him anywhere.

Throughout his stay in Gusu, not once have they crossed paths, only for Lan Zhan to appear when Wei Wuxian is already one leg out of Gusu.

Wei Wuxian could help him—not that Lan Zhan needs his assistance—but he will not waste the opportunity to observe Lan Zhan’s movements, his refined grace, his stoicism in the face of this creature. It’s been so long since he last saw Lan Zhan fight. Wei Wuxian mourns the fact that they didn’t have many opportunities to spar. It would have been beyond amusing, regardless of whether Wei Wuxian would win or lose; besides, to lose to Lan Zhan would be an honour.

With the eagerness of a young disciple witnessing their teacher fight for the first time and receiving confirmation that their master is indeed powerful, he observes the scene in front of him. In his mind, he chants Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Despite knowing that Lan Zhan is guaranteed to defeat the monster.

Indeed, the fight is over before Wei Wuxian can truly relish it.

Moonlight pours from the sky to caress Lan Zhan’s countenance. He’s breathtaking. Good thing excitement had stolen Wei Wuxian’s breath a couple of seconds ago; otherwise, he’d have done something foolish like gasp.

(“Lan Zhan! It’s you! In the flesh! In front of me!”)

(“Lan Zhan, you’re still the same, like the last time I saw you all those years ago, like the last time I saw you in my previous life. Ah! You’re still wearing those funeral clothes. How long has it been since you wore colour? Maybe it’s just my luck! You look lovely in blue! And you have the money to buy yourself pretty blue robes!”)

(“Lan Zhan, would talking to you be so easy as it is in my head? If it looked like it does now, me talking and you listening, I would be content with it. What would we even talk about? Well, you’re a dad now! We could make a club for fathers! Mothers always form groups; we could do that, too! We’d trade stories about our children! That’d be nice. I’d like to know how Sizhui was when he was younger. Probably a perfect child.”)

How easy it would be to jump down—into Lan Zhan’s arms (Lan Zhan, being Lan Zhan, would probably catch him)—to stand face to face with Lan Zhan, to talk to him; the topic unimportant as long as it was the two of them. (But…they’re not really the two of them. Wei Wuxian has not been Wei Wuxian in six years.)

Accidental Baby Acquisition(s)

Hurt/Comfort

Wei Wuxian and the Juniors + WWX adored by the younger generation

Slow-burn WIP (100k+)

updates every Saturday

by: astutearies.

After the events at the Mo Manor, Wei Wuxian seeks purpose for his newly-gifted life in becoming a rogue cultivator. Still dead to the cultivation world, disguised from old affections and acquaintances in a new appearance and mannerism, he travels the world, fighting monsters, solving cases, inventing talismans…and, somehow—do not ask him, he’s the most baffled by it all—becoming a father to children whose fates happen to intertwine with his. Amid this blissful chaos, he reconciles with past grievances, retraces old paths which the Heavens did not permit him to walk in his first life, and reacquaints himself with golden eyes, the laughter of a raddish-boy, purple lightning, and golden-clad youth.

Anyways

Hi.

Thank you so much for the kind words and I am SO sorry for how long it took me to reply!

I am doing my best to keep up with social media, but, unfortunately, I am doomed to touching grass and working ssnsjn

I am so happy to hear you've enjoyed my work! I can only hope you'll find the rest of it entertaining as well, this work decided to do as it pleases and it even surprised me with how it progressed, haha.