#kunwei

Behind Priest Zhou, servants brought in trays, some filled with food, others carrying bowls of incense and jewels. They were set upon the altar and Priest Zhou led the disciples through three kowtows. Then Priest Ouyang stood up and bowed before the altar. The disciples remained in kowtow, foreheads pressed against the cold stone tiles. Shen Wei closed his eyes, feeling the breeze pick back up, ruffling through his hair.

“Oh greatest of the Gods of Creation, he who brings life and he who destroys it, hear our plea!” In contrast to Priest Zhou’s humble and even inflection, Priest Ouyang tended to sound like a puffed up peacock strutting about. “We have brought before you a selection of youths, hand-picked by your most trusted priests for their piety! Only the most dutiful and obedient disciples kneel before you today, trusting in your grace to choose from amongst these loyal and faithful devotees your future bride.”

Warmth brushed down Shen Wei’s spine, and he opened his eyes to glance over his shoulder, barely moving his head. Nothing was there. Just then, a cold wind blew through the altar room, leaving the candles to flicker wildly and his fellow disciples to shiver, but all Shen Wei felt was a cocoon of warm air enveloping him. Something tickled his cheek, and he swore he could hear a chuckle.

“Send us a sign, oh Great Kunlun-jun, let us know who is your chosen!” Priest Ouyang continued, unperturbed.

As if in answer, a strong gust blew out all the candles at once. The priests threw themselves onto the ground, kowtowing and muttering prayers, taking it for a sign of Kunlun's displeasure.

A hand settled on Shen Wei’s shoulder, pulling him up. Used to following the priests’ instructions, Shen Wei sat up, only to blink when he realized no one was behind him. He surveyed his fellow disciples and priests as they knelt in worship, foreheads still pressed to the ground. No one paid Shen Wei any mind.

In the distance, there was a rumble of thunder.

“Primordial One, your humble servants beg of you! Allow us to appease your ire, forgive our daring,” Priest Zhou called out, and the disciples repeated it dutifully. All except for Shen Wei, whose attention was caught by the waving branch of a peach tree just outside the window next to him. His brow furrowed because there, in between the buds which had yet to blossom, grew a round, ripe peach.

“You!” Priest Ouyang yelled, dragging Shen Wei’s focus back inside. Only then did he notice the dusting of snow which had begun covering the robes of his fellow disciples, all of whom were trembling from the cold. He blinked up at Priest Ouyang, whose head flushed a deep red in fury. The head priest pushed to his feet and stomped over to where Shen Wei sat. “How dare you disrespect our great lord like this!”

The other priests murmured to each other, their words echoing in the silent hall.

“No wonder we drew Kunlun-jun’s ire,” they whispered. “How did the head priests allow someone like that into the choosing ceremony?”

“You deserve to be punished for the insult,” Priest Ouyang spat, raising his hand to slap Shen Wei.

Shen Wei lowered his eyes, holding still, accepting of his fate—for while he had his reasons, he had broken protocol in the middle of the ceremony—but just then, the earth shook and shuddered under their feet. All the priests and disciples bowed low and cried out to Kunlun to take mercy on them, while Priest Ouyang was thrown off balance, landing hard on his backbone with a crack.

Everyone, that was, except for Shen Wei.

Because as he had lowered his head to fall into kowtow alongside the rest of the priesthood, he discovered a crack in the floor with a green stalk rapidly rising upwards. It stopped just short of Shen Wei’s face, the bud at the top exploding into a fully mature lily, a deeper red than any Shen Wei had seen before. He reached out with careful fingers, tracing the fragile petals, and the flower dropped into his palms, its stem wilting away instantly.

Finally, the earthquake subsided, leaving the priesthood shaken and disorganized.

Shen Wei swallowed, feeling the velvety-soft flower against his skin. He glanced up, gaze unerringly drawn to the altar, noting that none of the offerings had been disturbed by the sudden shaking. He met Priest Zhou's gaze, as the head priest wobbly pushed to his feet. Then said gaze was drawn down, to the delicate flower Shen Wei cupped in his palm, eyebrows flying up.

“Well.” Priest Zhou cleared his throat, putting a hand on Priest Ouyang’s shoulder to stop him from standing back up. “It appears Kunlun-jun has made his will known.”

Everyone turned to stare at Shen Wei, while Priest Ouyang spat in disbelief. “That brat!?”

Priest Zhou shot him a forbidding glare, motioning for him to stay quiet. He cautiously stepped between the rows of disoriented disciples until he reached Shen Wei, slowly kneeling down in front of him.

“Tell me, Disciple Shen,” he said quietly, calmly, his voice echoing through the silent hall, “What caused you to rise early?”

“I—” Shen Wei ducked his head, swallowing nervously. How to describe the warm feeling of incorporeal hands? The caress of the wind with a mind of its own? He glanced towards the window, and Priest Zhou followed his gaze.

“A peach?” the head priest murmured, brow furrowing in puzzlement. “It’s not yet the season for fruit to grow.”

“It must be a sign,” one of the other priests exclaimed excitedly. She grabbed a nearby disciple by the shoulder and shook them. “Quick, go bring us that peach so we may divine its purpose.”

The disciple bowed and hurried outside.

Meanwhile, Priest Ouyang had found his feet, coming to stand behind Priest Zhou with his arms crossed and a thunderous expression. “Are you quite certain you are interpreting the signs correctly, Priest Zhou? How could our great lord choose someone so… easily distracted?”

“Are your eyes closed, Priest Ouyang?” Priest Zhou returned, gesturing broadly towards the other disciples. “Are not these others covered in snow where Disciple Shen is not? Has not the earth split apart to deliver upon him a flower, a red lily no less? What other signs would you have us interpret when our lord has made his will obvious already?”

That moment the disciple returned, carefully clutching the peach in their hands. As they held it out to the head priests with their head bowed, Shen Wei could see the skin had wrinkled, the fruit growing overripe. Priest Zhou frowned even as Priest Ouyang snatched it up eagerly. But just as soon as he touched the fruit, it started rotting in his palms, turning into disgusting, brown sludge.

Repulsed, Priest Ouyang dropped the peach.

But against all expectations, the fruit didn’t go splat as it hit the floor, rather, it rolled over the stone tiles to come to a rest at Shen Wei’s knee, once more in its glorious, ripe state. Shen Wei stared down at the peach along with everyone else, his heart hammering against his chest.

“Go on,” Priest Zhou encouraged gently, voice quiet in the anticipatory hush.

Swallowing, Shen Wei reached out, his fingers brushing over fuzzy skin. When nothing else happened, he turned the fruit over between his fingers, inspecting it. There was not a single blemish in the peach’s skin, though.

Priest Zhou’s hands folded over his own, pushing the peach up to his mouth. Shen Wei gave him a questioning look, and Priest Zhou nodded in encouragement, letting go of his hands.

“Do you accept Kunlun-jun’s proposal, Shen Wei?”

Shen Wei swallowed, then ducked his head. He bit into the peach, the juices exploding on his tongue, running down his chin in abundance. The taste was divine, and Shen Wei licked his lips, unable to help himself. A warm weight settled against his back, and it almost felt as if arms wrapped around his middle.

Clearing his throat, Shen Wei announced hoarsely, “I accept.”

With his mind gone blank from the shock of being chosen, Shen Wei fell back on the protocol long since beaten into his head. Setting the half-eaten peach and wedding flower aside carefully, Shen Wei shuffled back to bow low, pressing his palms flat against the floor and his forehead to the crack in the stone tiles.

“This humble one thanks Kunlun-jun,” he murmured, flushing hot and cold at the same time.

A soft breeze tickled his neck, reminiscent of lips brushing over his nape.

Kunlun had heard him.

*

The older disciples were allowed to leave the temple on their own once they’d finished their chores, trusted to adhere to their laws. Shen Wei started making use of this only recently. Before, he would leave the temple on his birthdays at Priest Zhou’s urging, who slipped him a small coin pouch to get himself a present from the market. Shen Wei would dutifully find himself an acceptable gift before returning within the hour. Except when he turned sixteen, he met someone there.

Zhao Yunlan was a traveling merchant’s son, who settled in the little town that year after an injury prevented his father from continuing to journey on. While his uncles took over their trade route, Zhao Yunlan helped his father set up shop in the village at the foot of the mountain.

Shen Wei knew he shouldn’t, but he was captivated from the first time he laid eyes on him. To the point where Shen Wei started sneaking out of the temple just to catch a glimpse of the other boy. He would hide and watch as the other fed stray cats, splashed about in the river in too few layers of clothes, or as he charmed the old ladies in the town. Shen Wei was careful to keep his distance, ducking out of view whenever the boy turned in his direction, heart hammering against his ribs and cheeks burning in the noon sun. He thought he was doing a good job at being stealthy, watching the object of his desires from afar.

Until one day Zhao Yunlan caught him at it.

When their eyes met, Shen Wei learned how it felt to be struck by lightning. He couldn't remember what he said when Zhao Yunlan sauntered up to him, distracted by the crinkling of his eyes, the sharpness of his smile, framed perfectly by the dark lines of his beard. He remembered Zhao Yunlan's playful tone as he teased Shen Wei, the warmth of his breath, his skin as he leaned in, close enough to touch but not bridging the gap.

He could remember the dryness of his throat, the difficulty of scraping together an answer, the burning embarrassment at his inability. And he remembered Zhao Yunlan's easy laughter, inviting him to share his joy, kind and soothing and unforgettable.

He remembered the moment their hands touched, the electricity jolting from his fingertips all the way down to his toes. He remembered Zhao Yunlan's fingers intertwining through his as he tugged Shen Wei out of the streets and off to somewhere more private.

After that, they kept meeting clandestinely. Their favourite spot was a meadow not far from the river running by the village, filled with wildflowers and tall grass they could hide in, lying down to chat. Shen Wei didn’t realize what the long looks meant, why his stomach would flutter under Zhao Yunlan’s attention, his skin growing hot and flushed whenever their hands brushed.

More and more often, Shen Wei caught himself staring at Zhao Yunlan’s mouth, wondering what it would feel like to touch those lips with his own.

Purity—of mind, body and soul—was one of the tenets of the temple. They were to devote themselves only to Kunlun's will and their duties at the temple. Thus, young disciples were forbidden to have dalliances. Only once they were well past the age of the choosing ceremony were they allowed to take on spouses, in case Kunlun-jun would prove interested in them. Some of the most devoted priests remained solitary and celibate for the rest of their lives, to better serve their god. Shen Wei knew this, yet he still returned, day after day, snuck out night after night, to spend more time with Zhao Yunlan. Allowed himself to be tempted.

He hadn’t expected to be chosen, though perhaps he should have. Kunlun-jun had always favoured him.

With a heavy heart, Shen Wei set out to meet Zhao Yunlan at their usual place. It would be the last time he saw the other, and the thought left Shen Wei bereft. His chest felt empty, aching, but there was no other way around it. In another world, another life, perhaps they could have been together. Maybe a part of Shen Wei had hoped, if he was passed over in this choosing, that they could settle down together, perhaps adopt one of Zhao Yunlan’s young nephews.

It didn’t matter any longer.

“Zhao Yunlan,” Shen Wei greeted him with a heavy heart. “I have news.”

“Xiao-Wei! I’ve been waiting for you. Come, sit, I brought you something,” Zhao Yunlan replied, grinning wild and carefree.

Shen Wei’s mouth dried up, his throat constricting around what he was going to say. Wordlessly, he sat down next to Zhao Yunlan, who leaned forward, hiding his gift behind his back.

“Close your eyes,” Zhao Yunlan coaxed, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Shen Wei did, because he trusted whatever Zhao Yunlan was scheming, he would never put Shen Wei into harm’s way. Something light settled on top of his head, and Shen Wei frowned, reaching up for it. His fingers brushed against something soft, smooth, a whole circle of… petals?

Eyes snapping open, he stared at Zhao Yunlan, who grinned back cheerfully.

“Tada!” Zhao Yunlan threw his hands wide in a gesture as if he were presenting Shen Wei.

“Did you…” Shen Wei gulped and trailed off, carefully lifting the flower crown from his hair to inspect it. Yellow and pink orchids were interwoven with magnolia. In the four cardinal directions a chrysanthemum of a different colour each was nearly hidden underneath the other flowers. Heat crawled up Shen Wei’s neck, and he tore his gaze away.

Zhao Yunlan’s wide grin softened into a smile. “Do you like it?”

"I…"

Shen Wei was well-educated for an orphan. He had a thirst for knowledge, devouring every scroll the temple had to offer. Priest Zhou noticed early when he taught Shen Wei to read, back before he was promoted to head priest, and encouraged him at every turn. Most of the temple's literature was related to nature, as this was Kunlun's domain. Shen Wei knew what these flowers needed to be cared for, when they were in season, and most importantly: what they symbolized. Orchids for love and beauty, a sign of unity in marriage. Magnolia to show appreciation, wishing Shen Wei honour and wealth. Both spring flowers were likely to decorate the temple for the wedding ceremony as well.

Chrysanthemum for humility and longevity, but also known as a more… vulgar symbol, it only bloomed in autumn, as far as Shen Wei was aware.

Zhao Yunlan must have paid a fortune to have them delivered from somewhere where they flowered already, or had planned this long enough to preserve them this well from last autumn. Both options tightened the knot in Shen Wei's throat.

“I do,” Shen Wei whispered because that was the truth: He liked it. A lot.

He liked Zhao Yunlan a lot.

Too much.

Zhao Yunlan smirked at him as he sprawled out on his side, patting the grass next to him for Shen Wei to lie down. With his long limbs, he affected the same air as a lazy cat, ready to bathe in the sunlight for the rest of the evening. Shen Wei swallowed, settling down next to him, heart stuck in his throat.

He should tell him.

He didn’t want to. Not yet – later, maybe. He had to tell him before they parted, but first… couldn’t he just bask in Zhao Yunlan’s presence, free of duty and destiny for a handful of minutes?

Zhao Yunlan seemed on board with that plan, chewing on a long stalk of grass and watching him with glittering eyes, smugly pleased as the cat that got the canary. The fact that Shen Wei’s indulgence could affect his friend that much caused Shen Wei’s heart to skip a beat.

“I’ve got something else for you,” Zhao Yunlan announced, a teasing glint in his gaze. “Close your eyes again, c’mon.”

“I shouldn’t…” Shen Wei started, but Zhao Yunlan hushed him with a finger to Shen Wei’s mouth. Despite himself, Shen Wei found his lips quirking up into a fond smile. “These flowers are expensive already, I’m not worth it. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

“Ah? Who said?!” Zhao Yunlan demanded, rearing back in what had to be mock offense. “Shen Wei is worth more than all the treasures on this earth, I could spend my whole life showering him in gifts and it wouldn’t be enough!”

My whole life echoed in Shen Wei’s head like a rung bell. It was hard to breathe past the tightness in his chest. If only Zhao Yunlan had said so before the choosing… but no. Shen Wei would have had to reject him then, too. An impossible decision, torn between his desire for this man’s love and his devotion to Kunlun. Fate was cruel indeed.

“Are you trying to buy me off?” Shen Wei teased instead, trying to change the topic. “You know we don’t value material possessions in my temple, that won’t work.”

Zhao Yunlan mimed being shot in the chest and flopped down on his back, his grin wide and carefree. “So mean, Shen Wei!”

Satisfied, Shen Wei smiled to himself and finally laid down next to Zhao Yunlan, who promptly rolled on top of him. Shen Wei blinked, startled, while Zhao Yunlan leaned in until their noses touched.

“Close your eyes, xiao-Wei,” he commanded softly, and Shen Wei’s heart jumped up in his throat. He shouldn’t. If the priests learned of this… if Kunlun knew…

But… one kiss couldn’t hurt… right? A first kiss, and a kiss goodbye.

Instead of closing his eyes, Shen Wei leaned up and pressed their lips together. It was even more electric than the secret touch of Zhao Yunlan's fingers, light on his skin. A tingle of desire shot down Shen Wei's spine and he surged up to devour Zhao Yunlan's mouth, eyes falling down to half-mast but never quite closed. Not daring to miss even a minute twitch of Zhao Yunlan's expression.

Zhao Yunlan, after an initial moment of surprise, returned his affection with enthusiasm.

After what felt like an eternity, Zhao Yunlan branched out, kissing the corners of Shen Wei's mouth, his cheek, down his neck in an assault of lips and teeth and tongue that left Shen Wei panting and aroused. Hands pinned his shoulders, one palm curling up behind his neck, fingers burying into his long hair; the other trailing down his chest, dipping under the folds of his robes to tease at skin.

Zhao Yunlan bit down on his shoulder, coaxing a moan out of Shen Wei, which he promptly muffled with his own mouth, his eyes burning amber, engulfing Shen Wei in his own desire.

Shen Wei gasped, arching into the touch, forgetting everything but Zhao Yunlan’s lips on his own, his skin burning under the trail of searching hands despite the layers between them. Zhao Yunlan propped himself up on one elbow, and Shen Wei surged up, wrapping one arm around Zhao Yunlan’s shoulders to steady himself, unwilling to let him go. Zhao Yunlan laughed into the kiss, and then moaned as Shen Wei determinedly sucked on his tongue. Clever fingers scrambled with the knot holding Shen Wei’s belt closed, and then the cloth was slipping off, his robes parting for the curious hand that wandered below the waistband of Shen Wei’s pants, searching—

Shen Wei grabbed Zhao Yunlan’s hand, stopping him before he got any further.

Zhao Yunlan broke the kiss, his brow knit into a frown, staring down at Shen Wei in confusion. Shen Wei cleared his throat, letting go of Zhao Yunlan’s shoulders, lowering himself back down to the grass. He busied himself with tying his belt close, tugging his robes back into something resembling propriety.

“Alright there?”

“I’m sorry.” Shen Wei stared back helplessly, hoping the other would understand. “It’s not—it’s not that I don’t want to. I… I can’t.”

Hurt flashed in Zhao Yunlan’s eyes, before his expression smoothed out and he plastered on a crooked grin.

“Ah? If xiao-Wei isn’t ready yet, he can just say so. This more experienced one understands.”

“It’s not that,” Shen Wei corrected hastily, reaching out for Zhao Yunlan, but hesitating, hand hovering half-way between them. Zhao Yunlan glanced down at his hand, then back up, searching his face. “I—I’m promised to Kunlun-jun. I can’t—to do more than… this, that’s… that’s sacrilege.”

Already he was crossing the line by touching, kissing Zhao Yunlan and allowing himself to be touched in turn. Maybe if someone else had been chosen, it wouldn't matter, but now that Kunlun had announced his intent to claim his disciple…

Zhao Yunlan sat back with a huff, crossing his arms. “What’s so good about this mountain god anyway?”

“Yunlan…” Shen Wei blinked, then ducked his head, pulling his knees up to his chest. A smile stretched over his lips, and he couldn’t wipe it away fast enough. Zhao Yunlan was jealous. “He—I owe Kunlun-jun my life.”

“So what, you’re going to pay him back with your body?” Zhao Yunlan grumbled, ripping out grass by the handful. “What sense is there in that?”

“I was chosen,” Shen Wei explained, glancing up from under his fringe. “That’s… rare. A bride is offered to Kunlun-jun every generation, and there’s a high chance they won’t be accepted. To avoid this complication, the priests created a choosing ceremony where we pray for Kunlun-jun’s guidance and favour.”

“And you have his favour,” Zhao Yunlan concluded grumpily, throwing the bundles of grass away. They drifted in the light breeze.

“I do,” Shen Wei agreed softly. He bit his lip, watching Zhao Yunlan from the corner of his eyes. “I—can I tell you a secret?”

Immediately, Zhao Yunlan’s whole demeanour shifted, his body language opening up as he turned to Shen Wei. Their legs brushed, and a thrill shot through Shen Wei from where they touched, separated only by layers of cloth.

“Of course,” Zhao Yunlan said solemnly, meeting Shen Wei’s eyes steadily. “You can tell me anything. Your secrets are safe with me.”

Butterflies fluttered in Shen Wei’s stomach, and he leaned towards Zhao Yunlan, pressing their shoulders together.

“I’ve had Kunlun-jun’s favour for a long time,” he confessed under his breath, gaze drawn to the trees near the river, the leaves swaying in the wind. “He didn’t just save my life, he’s been with me ever since. When I couldn’t sleep due to my nightmares, I’d wander about the garden and fall asleep there on the packed ground, only to wake up on a bed of soft moss in the morning. Once I fell from a tree, only to be caught by branches that weren’t there moments before. The fruit trees will hang low with the ripest fruit when I pass by. Little things like that.”

“I didn’t realize…” Zhao Yunlan started, then trailed off, staring at Shen Wei in surprise. Shen Wei gave him a soft smile.

“I told you before, I was a lonely child, but… I never was truly alone, you know?”

“Huh.” Zhao Yunlan tilted his head, seeming to weigh Shen Wei’s words. He leaned in, pressing a light kiss to Shen Wei’s cheek. “Alright. I guess asking you to elope with me is futile then, eh?”

“I couldn’t.” Shen Wei stared at him with wide eyes, heart beating fast. He knew Zhao Yunlan found him fascinating, of course, he couldn’t deny the attraction between them was mutual. He had, however, assumed that he was just another dalliance, another notch in Zhao Yunlan’s belt. The other was much more worldly and experienced than Shen Wei, and it showed.

He hadn’t realized how serious Zhao Yunlan was about their relationship, forbidden as it was.

By the gods, the idea was tempting. And yet, Shen Wei had promised himself and his life to Kunlun first. That was not a promise he could—or wanted—to break. The moment of hesitation alone was sacrilegious, and Shen Wei was shocked to find his faith, his loyalty to his god wavering in the face of the temptation Zhao Yunlan offered.

“Hmph,” Zhao Yunlan huffed, lying back and wriggling his arm until it laid under Shen Wei’s head. A look at his face revealed a complicated expression: pleased and satisfied, but also conflicted and frustrated. Shen Wei’s stomach twisted. “No, I get it. You have your duties, I have mine. How long do we have?”

It was entirely practical. Shen Wei’s stomach dropped.

“I can’t see you again, Yunlan.” He sat up and stared at Zhao Yunlan, begging for his understanding. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come tonight, but I wanted to see you one last time.”

Zhao Yunlan frowned contemplatively. “Ah? How soon is this wedding?”

“It’s still a month or two,” Shen Wei admitted, ducking his head and avoiding Zhao Yunlan’s piercing gaze. “The date hasn’t been set yet. But… to keep meeting with you… even tonight is one too many. I cannot betray my temple… or Kunlun-jun.”

“A month.” Zhao Yunlan’s voice was flat. Shen Wei’s shoulders climbed up to his ears.

“I’m sorry,” was all he could offer.

“No,” Zhao Yunlan disagreed, hand cutting through the air in a dismissive arc. Shen Wei glanced at him from the corners of his eyes, flinching away from the fury writ large in the furrow of his brows. “That’s unacceptable.”

Shen Wei curled in on himself.

There was a pause, then a warm hand slid down his spine. It reminded him of Kunlun’s warmth during the ceremony, and the comparison curdled like spoilt milk in the pits of his stomach.

“I’m not mad at you, xiao-Wei,” Zhao Yunlan said, his lips close enough to Shen Wei’s ear that he could feel the hot air as he breathed. “I just— I don’t want to wai—”

Movement in the distance cut him off. They both tensed, crouching low in the high grass. Lanterns swayed in the wind on their poles as several people in familiar robes waded through the meadow. Shen Wei’s heart sank, recognizing the garb of his people.

“I need to go,” he told Zhao Yunlan, meeting his gaze with conflicted desperation. “I’m sorry. If they catch us…”

Shen Wei couldn’t finish the thought. His own punishment notwithstanding, Zhao Yunlan would be subject to the priests’ – and Kunlun’s – wrath. The last thing he wanted was to get Zhao Yunlan into trouble.

“Wait,” Zhao Yunlan hissed, but Shen Wei couldn’t. He had dallied for too long already.

Instead, he smashed their lips together in one last, desperate kiss, over far too soon before he dashed off towards the river, keeping low until he could vanish into the nearby bush. Leaving Zhao Yunlan behind to be discovered, but that was alright: as long as they weren’t found together, their secret would remain safe.

And perhaps Kunlun-jun’s favour hadn’t deserted him yet, either. Bushes parted for him, easing his way, while the low-hanging sun covered his escape.

*

Kunlun was furious.

He paced in angry circles around the tree of merits, causing the blossoms to wither and plums to rot from the sheer negativity he radiated. Da Qing, lounging on a low-hanging branch, stretched and yawned, watching him lazily as he paced a groove into the ground.

“It’s your own fault, you know,” the cat pointed out, sounding utterly unimpressed.

“How was I supposed to know he would reject me?” Kunlun seethed, tossing his long sleeves out of his way with a snap as he turned on his heel and rounded the tree counter clockwise. “He didn’t even want to reject me! He was more than eager.”

“He’s not the only one,” Da Qing muttered, folding his paws under himself. Kunlun shot him a peeved look. “What? You’re the one too impatient to wait.”

“He doesn’t even want to see me for a month! Or two!” Kunlun complained, crossing his arms and glaring down the mountain. Clouds hurried out of his way to give him a view of the temple at the foot. “I swear, if those monks make me wait that long…”

The ground grumbled with his displeasure. Da Qing scoffed.

“He doesn’t want to see his human lover because he’s sworn himself to you,” the cat pointed out, tail swishing to the other side of the branch in a move not dissimilar to his owner’s disgruntled flinging of sleeves. “You could have just told him and spared yourself this facade.”

“I was going to!” Kunlun swore, rolling his eyes. “Except then those stupid humans interrupted us…”

“Green isn’t your colour, you know,” Da Qing drawled, chuckling to himself at Kunlun’s unimpressed glare.

“I am a god of nature, you useless ball of fur.” Kunlun drew himself up, returning the tree to full bloom with a careless wave of his hand. “Green is absolutely my colour.”

“Yeah, well, jealousy isn’t pretty,” Da Qing returned, rolling his eyes and leaping off the branch, his heavy weight slamming onto Kunlun’s shoulder with an audible impact. Kunlun didn’t so much as flinch. “Why are you so grumpy? Doesn’t everyone want a loyal wife?”

“Yeah, well, shows what you know,” Kunlun grumbled, even though he couldn’t disagree. His heart swelled at the thought of his xiao-Wei, announcing his loyalty to Kunlun-jun above everyone else, even when Kunlun could read the desire in the strained lines of his body, holding back only because he had sworn an oath of fidelity to Kunlun first.

Not that Kunlun would have minded if his xiao-Wei had welcomed Zhao Yunlan’s touch. His mortal avatar was simply an extension of his own consciousness, Shen Wei wouldn’t have broken any promises even if events had progressed further tonight.

But Shen Wei didn’t know that, and subsequently rejected him.

Kunlun sighed morosely, sitting down on a stone near the tiny body of water next to the merit tree. A wave of his hand set the surface rippling, revealing Shen Wei tossing and turning in his bed. Kunlun frowned, reaching out to soothe the turmoil within his beloved’s dreams. They could have shared a bed tonight, if only he had shown his true self to his most devoted follower.

Instead, he had cockblocked himself.

No wonder Da Qing was laughing himself silly.

The cat was kneading his shoulder now, the tension slowly flowing out of them as Kunlun turned to watch over his Shen Wei. With a thought, he reached out, inserting a sliver of his desire and frustrated arousal into his beloved's dreams, watching as he started shifting again, watching as Shen Wei grew hard under the thin layer of blankets.

He could have had this, if he hadn't let his impulses rule him. If he had explained, instead of simply taken what was his to take.

"How can I wait patiently after having gotten a taste of how sweet my xiao-Wei is?" Kunlun mused aloud, reaching out to touch Shen Wei's face. In his sleep, Shen Wei turned to nuzzle into his palm, mouth gaping open, lips plush and slick. Kunlun licked his own, remembering their touch.

"A ripe, juicy peach, ready for harvest," he murmured to himself, not dodging the swipe of Da Qing's claws.

"Don't tell me that nonesense, I don't want to hear it!" the cat hissed, fur puffing up. Kunlun pushed him off, and in the ensuing scuffle he was temporarily distracted from the viewing mirror.

*

There were three rites of preparation Shen Wei had to pass through before the wedding ceremony.

The first was simple enough, consisting of blessings by the priests and divination rites to find the most auspicious wedding date. The priesthood were determined to have the ceremony during the spring, to avoid making their god wait for longer than necessary. Since Shen Wei’s exact day of birth was unknown, they chose to divine based on his arrival at their temple instead. All in all, it required little participation on Shen Wei’s side. The date they chose was a mere month away, the most auspicious time during spring. Preparations for the ceremony had been in full swing even before the choosing, so Shen Wei wasn’t surprised.

The third rite was something he started dreading every time it came up. It would happen on the day of the wedding itself, and everyone went tight-lipped when Shen Wei requested more information. Priest Zhou refused to meet his eyes when asked, and the scrolls he found only mentioned it was related to the wedding bed. The mystery itself caught Shen Wei's curiosity, but everyone else's reactions made him cautious. Surely, it couldn't be anything too terrible?

He didn't have much time for apprehension, however, with the second rite looming large.

Shen Wei was called to a smaller ritual chamber, one where access was restricted due to the secretive nature of the ceremonies held there. Only the head priests were present, Priest Zhou ushering him inside. The room was perfectly round and mostly empty, a small offering altar set in the middle surrounded by cushions to kneel on. In the middle of the altar, a large candle burned, the scent of beeswax filling the chamber. Three bowls surrounded the candle with small offerings.

“Kunlun-jun’s temper has been more fraught recently,” Priest Zhou explained in a subdued tone, sitting down on a cushion next to Priest Ouyang and gesturing for Shen Wei to take a seat opposite them. “The wedding ceremony has been moved up to the day after tomorrow.”

Everyone had noticed the increased rate of minor earthquakes plaguing the mountain towns and the temple. Shen Wei’s stomach twisted with guilt. They had started the night after he had snuck out to meet Zhao Yunlan, and he couldn’t help but draw the conclusion the two were related.

“First, you have to pass the Rite of Purity,” Priest Ouyang continued gruffly, making a grabbing motion with his fingers. “Give me your hands.”

A greenish cream was dabbed on the meridians at his wrists, his forehead and in the dip of his collarbones. Shen Wei tried not to squirm at the touch. Priest Zhou lit the incense, murmuring a prayer, before lighting the candle in the middle.

"This is the light of truth," Priest Zhou explained, gesturing towards the candle. "Falsehoods will cause it to die. You must be honest answering our questions, child."

Shen Wei gulped and nodded, wiping his sweaty palms on his knees.

"We call upon the steadiness of the mountains, to grant us shelter against the winds of temptation. We call upon the smooth flow of the rivers, to guide us through the tempest. In the eye of the storm of lies, we are anchored by the strength of our faith. Grant us protection, Oh Great One, we bow before your indomitable will."

Shen Wei followed along in the familiar rhythm of prayer and kowtowing, his rapid heartbeat calming down with the same ritualistic steps he was used to.

"Today this young disciple, raised by your faithful followers as was your wish, comes to us to prove his devotion. We have gathered here before you to determine his true worth, that we may only offer you the best of the best, Primordial One," Priest Ouyang prattled on. "It is with utmost humility that we accept your judgement of our efforts to raise him properly, and beg your forgiveness for all his faults…"

With his head bowed low, Shen Wei still saw the way Priest Zhou's brow began to furrow as he continued on and on, likely amending the traditional words as was Priest Ouyang's wont. Shen Wei tuned him out, taking a deep breath and centering himself.

The usual connection he felt to the earth, the plant life around him, which he'd always interpretated as his connection to Kunlun himself… was gone.

Shen Wei frowned in concentration, yet it felt like that familiar, reassuring warmth was slipping through his fingers every time he reached out. His throat closed with anxiety. Had Kunlun-jun withdrawn his favour? Or was it simply that the ritual chamber was well-isolated, putting a barrier between Shen Wei and his sense of nature?

He didn’t know, and it made him anxious.

"Disciple Shen," Priest Zhou gently called for his attention, and Shen Wei hid his guilty flinch at being caught out distracted during such an important ritual. "Are you aware of the rules that govern our temple, the rules that we raised you to follow?“

“I am.”

The flame remained steady, accepting the truth of his statement. Priest Zhou nodded. “Are you aware of the path that has been chosen for you, Disciple Shen, by none other than the great Kunlun himself?” Shen Wei swallowed, but his voice remained steady. “I am.” “And have you obeyed these laws every since you went through the Rites of Devotion, becoming a disciple in Kunlun’s service?”

“I have.”

"Have you remained pure and untouched in body, the way you arrived at our temple when you were granted sanctuary by Kunlun-jun's grace?"

"I—" Shen Wei swallowed. He had, until recently. But did a kiss count?

His hesitation caught the priests' attention. Priest Ouyang narrowed his eyes in suspicion, and Priest Zhou looked alarmed. "Shen Wei?"

Licking his dry lips, Shen Wei gave the expected answer, "My body remains untouched."

The candle flickered ominously, but didn't go out. Shen Wei let out a quiet breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Priest Zhou's shoulders slumped in relief, and he continued with the questions.

"Does your spirit remain pure and devoted to Kunlun-jun—"

"Hold on," Priest Ouyang interrupted, glaring at Shen Wei. Priest Zhou tensed. "That result was inconclusive. Why is that, Disciple Shen? What have you done?"

"Priest Ouyang," Priest Zhou reprimanded, frowning severely. "The rite has rules, guidelines we need to follow. Do not ask unrelated questions."

"Very well," Priest Ouyang acquiesced snappishly, eyebrows dipping down. "Disciple Shen, who does your body belong to?"

"Kunlun-jun," Shen Wei replied honestly. The candle remained steady, and guilt twisted in his chest. He knew the truth, and yet he'd still allowed Zhao Yunlan…

Priest Ouyang's frown deepened. "Are you devoted to Kunlun-jun, and Kunlun-jun alone?"

"I am."

Again, the flame stayed strong, much to Shen Wei's surprise. Warmth settled in his chest, the knowledge that despite his transgressions, his devotion still remained true. Priest Ouyang grimaced in frustration. Priest Zhou set a restraining hand on his shoulder, tone mild but pointed as he spoke up. "Perhaps we can return to the predesignated questions now…?"

However, Priest Ouyang shook him off, sneering.

"And are you able to promise yourself to Kunlun-jun, and Kunlun-jun alone, heart, body, and soul?"

Shen Wei ducked his head, his heart a rapid tattoo in his chest. Phantom lips touched his own, Zhao Yunlan's smile floated before his inner eye. They weren't meant to be together in this lifetime, and that was fine. It was inevitable. Maybe in another life…

"I… yes," Shen Wei mumbled quietly, and the flame flickered… and died.

Silence stretched in the ritual chamber, growing tenser and tenser. Priest Ouyang's shoulders rose with his temper, tighter and tighter, until the thin rope of his patience grew too taut and snapped.

"You dare!" he thundered, jumping to his feet; he jarred the small altar hard enough to upend the offering bowls. Their contents flew every which way and the sound of their rolling echoed through the chamber until they settled.

Shen Wei bowed his head low, not daring to look up, his fingers twisting in his ceremonial robes.

“Shen Wei.” Priest Zhou’s voice trembled, and his face was pale when Shen Wei glanced up at him. “Shen Wei, what have you done?”

“I—“ Shen Wei swallowed, averting his gaze. He didn’t want to see the disappointment on his mentor’s face. “There is… a boy. From the village.” “A boy,” Priest Zhou echoed, lips thin and bloodless. His hands hovered over Shen Wei’s shoulders, as if they couldn’t decide whether to help him up or shake some sense into him. “And… what have you done, with this boy?”

“I love him,” Shen Wei admitted hoarsely.

Smack.

Shen Wei’s head spun around from the force, ears ringing and eyes wide with shock. Something warm trickled down his cheek where Priest Ouyang hit him. “How dare you! Ungrateful, egotistical brat, has not our Lord chosen you? Has not our Lord saved you? And you dare repay his kindness and favour by throwing yourself into the arms of some—some heretic! When you know very well you are supposed to save yourself for Kunlun-jun!” Priest Ouyang was frothing at the mouth with rage. “Traitorous cur, how dare you treat our Lord thusly! Are you nothing more than a common whore, spreading his legs for whoever asks!?”

At that accusation, Shen Wei’s gaze snapped up. “I haven’t…!”

Priest Ouyang raised his hand again, his eyes wild and crazy in his righteous fervour. “Be silent! Haven’t you done enough!?”

“It was only a kiss!” Shen Wei protested, cheeks flushing hotly with shame. He’d known better, of course. This was his own fault. “Only a kiss!” Priest Ouyang thundered, his hand coming down, and Shen Wei closed eyes in anticipation for the sting. It never came “We haven’t a choice,” Priest Zhou pointed out, his voice weak from the shock. He had grabbed Priest Ouyang’s wrist, stopping him from backhanding Shen Wei a second time. “Kunlun-jun chose Disciple Shen, we cannot replace him with another.” “So we are to lie to our Lord!? Pretend this good-for-nothing brat hasn’t broken the most holy of his promises?” Priest Ouyang snarled, tearing his hand free from Priest Zhou’s grasp. Priest Zhou pressed his mouth into a thin line. “We don’t have a choice,” he reiterated, burning gaze landing on Shen Wei, who bowed his head in shame. “Let us pray that Kunlun-jun will be too distracted to notice.”

*

Kunlun entered the ritual chamber with a flash of lightning and a roll of thunder to announce his arrival. He strode past the kowtowing attendants—priests, disciples, servants, none of them mattered. His attention was firmly on the figure kneeling in front of the altar, flanked by the two old priests leading this particular sect. They, too, awaited him on their knees, heads bowed low in respect. A kinder god might have allowed them to rise, but Kunlun ignored them. He wasn’t here for them.

“Rise, my bride,” he bid as he came to a stop in front of them. His watchful eyes caught the sharp inhale when Shen Wei recognized his voice. His head came up first, beautiful face covered with a red veil, hiding what surely had to be a surprised expression. Kunlun offered him a hand, and Shen Wei took it without hesitation, letting him help Shen Wei to his feet.

Kunlun’s gaze roved over Shen Wei, a vision in red and gold and mountain blue-green: wedding colours—and Kunlun’s colours. His hair was pinned up with two beautiful ivory hairpins in the shape of a phoenix and a dragon each, pearls dangling from them and chiming softly in the breeze. Styled with propriety in mind and easy enough for Kunlun to remove should he so desire, he noted approvingly. Further, Shen Wei was decked out in jewelry of jade and gold, a thin necklace highlighting his delicate throat, bracelets and rings decorating his slender wrists and long fingers.

Through the veil, he could barely see Shen Wei staring back at him, wide eyes filled with complicated emotions.

“Let me see your face, beautiful," Kunlun murmured, reaching out to lift the veil. Shen Wei ducked his head, and Kunlun could see the small smile playing around his mouth. Oh, how he yearned to kiss him again. To touch Shen Wei and make him truly his. There had been little space in his mind for anything else since their first kiss, and the damnable revelation that he was forced to wait for tonight. Truly, he only had himself to blame.

Anticipation curled at the base of his spine, like lightning waiting to be unleashed. Kunlun returned Shen Wei's smile as it was revealed, taking in the wetness of his eyes, the joy shining in them. He raised his hand, fingers curled to brush over Shen Wei’s cheek bone, when his gaze fell on a dark slash stretching over his cheek. Smile melting away, Kunlun’s hand hovered over Shen Wei’s cheek, brow furrowing.

Rage crashed over him like a storm. Someone had hurt his love in his absence.

“Who dared,” he ground out between clenched teeth, fury leaking into every word. The attendants flinched, bowing lower and quivering when faced with his wrath, but Kunlun couldn’t care less. He thumbed the hale skin under the gash that marred Shen Wei’s cheek, careful not to hurt his lover. Shen Wei’s lashes lowered over his eyes, hiding the expression within, but he alone didn’t flinch back.

“Who dared,” Kunlun repeated, raising his voice when his first query was met with silence, “to touch. My. Bride.”

His words shook the walls of the temple, his ire reverberating through the room. Several disciples let out pitiful cries, Shenxian, have mercy! Calm yourself, Shenxian! Yet Kunlun paid them no mind, turning Shen Wei’s face to better inspect the wound. It was fresh, but he’d known that, it could be no older than the three days when he'd last viewed Shen Wei through the mirror. Remnants of ointment clung to the edges, a sign that at least the priesthood had enough sense to provide his chosen with some care.

“This unworthy one begs Shenxian for forgiveness,” one of the head priests spoke up into the tense silence, palms flat on the stone and forehead pressed against the tile. Kunlun glanced at him, teetering on the edge of control. He wanted nothing more than to unleash the storm brewing under his skin, tearing everyone in the vicinity apart in his rage. Only Shen Wei’s soft flesh under his fingers, the reminder of how fragile his lover still was, kept him in check.

“Please do not blame this wayward disciple, I did not teach him well, I will shoulder the blame,” the head priest continued nonsensically, and Kunlun frowned. What even…? Did the priest think Kunlun would lash out at Shen Wei for another's transgression? “I beg of you, I will take any punishment you deem fit, my lord, he did not know better.”

Before he could demand clarification, Shen Wei reached up and wrapped his fingers around Kunlun's wrist, his fingertips resting on Kunlun's pulse point. Kunlun's heartbeat picked up at the sheer intimacy, desire curling low in his gut, but one glimpse of Shen Wei's scratched cheek reignited Kunlun's anger. He laid his palm over the wound, letting his divine energy surge to the forefront, healing the injury until not even a scar remained to tell the tale. Shen Wei smiled up at him, gratitude in the soft curve, and he turned to nuzzle Kunlun's palm.

"A misunderstanding, my lord," he murmured soothingly, pressing his lips to the center of Kunlun's palm. "Nothing more."

Kunlun was helpless when confronted with wide, doe eyes, pleading with him to let it go. He might have been persuaded, even, had the annoying old priest not chosen that moment to speak up.

"A misunderstanding!" he thundered, shooting to his feet without being granted permission. Kunlun eyed him coolly. "You dare call it a misunderstanding, you unfaithful wretch, after breaking the tenets of our sect, after breaking faith with our Lord! And even know, you wish to protect that good-for-nothing lout!?"

Kunlun's eyes flared with anger at the insult, but he focused on Shen Wei, who shook his head.

"The name, priest," Kunlun ground out through clenched teeth, "Spit it out."

"Shenxian, I would if I could, but this worthless disciple refuses to part with that knowledge," Priest Ouyang huffed, outrage writ large on his face. "The day he accepted your proposal, my lord, he went out to compromise his purity, spitting on ancient traditions, trampling all over the devotion and piety of even the lowliest of disciples. Please, Great One, forgive us for having failed you, any of the other disciples would be more than happy to serve you, surely an upgrade from this insolent brat who whored himself out to the next best man he could find on the streets to call 'lover'—"

Kunlun's rage rose with every word spoken, teetering on the edge of spilling over. Every insult spat at his bride's feet fanned the flames of his wrath, his patience drawing taut, ready to snap when the diatribe reached its final accusation. And Kunlun. Froze. Holding Shen Wei's gaze for a long beat, the realization sunk to the bottom of his stomach like a stone. Finally, he tore his eyes away from Shen Wei to face the raving priest.

"Lover," he echoed, and then. "A misunderstanding."

“I didn’t know,” Shen Wei agreed, his lips quirking in amusement at his own ignorance. “I thought…”

“But you didn’t,” Kunlun pointed out, narrowing his eyes at the head priest. “Tell me, priest, who took my bride to task for his alleged transgressions?”

The other head priest, Priest Zhou, shuffled over and bowed low. “I’m in charge of Disciple Shen’s discipline, Shenxian. I will take all the responsibility for his behaviour.”

“You are willing to take on this punishment in the perpetrator’s place?” Kunlun demanded, his fingers curling into a fist.

"No need," Shen Wei interjected, his palm settling over Kunlun's chest. Hugging him from behind. Holding him back. "It is a matter of the past. I am here, whole and wholly yours."

“Xiao-Wei,” Kunlun growled in warning, turning in his lover’s arms and catching him by the wrist before he can step back. He would not let himself be distracted so easily. Shen Wei deserved better, deserved for Kunlun to put the one who hurt him into his place.

Clearly, he hadn’t counted on Shen Wei’s stubborn streak, however.

"I have… prepared myself," Shen Wei whispered, a blush crawling up his neck and leaving his ears bright red. He ducked his head, averting his gaze. Letting it drift towards the altar. "For our wedding night."

Heat shot down Kunlun's spine, pooling low in his groin. He watched Shen Wei intently through half-lidded eyes, reaching out and brushing a loose strand behind Shen Wei's ear.

"Oh?" Kunlun leaned in, letting his knuckles graze over unmarred skin. "And were you thinking of me while you prepared yourself?" He brushed a kiss to the corner of Shen Wei's mouth. "Perhaps you imagined they were my fingers instead?"

"I was thinking of Zhao Yunlan," Shen Wei admitted, his quiet voice ringing through the hushed silence. He raised his gaze to meet Kunlun's, wide eyes filled with longing. "Of what might've happened that day, if I hadn't… stopped him." A breath shuddered out of Shen Wei, his lips brushing against Kunlun's, amending under his breath, "Stopped you."

Arousal shivered through Kunlun, an image springing to mind: Shen Wei in his bed, hard and sweating under that thin blanket, perhaps using scented oil to open himself up, Zhao Yunlan’s name on his lips as he breathed through the intrusion—

"You!" Priest Ouyang sprang to his feet, pointing at Shen Wei. Kunlun wrapped one arm securely around his lover's waist, pulling him closer. Priest Ouyang ignored his warning look, frothing with rage. "How dare you! Even now, as you are to be wed to our lord, you dare mention that worthless brat by name!?"

In his rage, Priest Ouyang seemed to forget himself: he flung his arm wide and took aim, moving to snap the back of his hand across Shen Wei’s face and discipline him once more. The ring pronouncing him head of the sect glittered on his finger, dried blood still clinging to the edges. Kunlun eyed it as it came closer, time slowing down as realization unfolded inside him.

“You,” he growled, hand snapping out to snatch Priest Ouyang’s mid-swing. A thunderstorm raged in his gaze as he forced Priest Ouyang to his knees with a wrench of his caught arm, the head priest crying out with pain, wholly unused to such discomfort.

Cold fire licked at Kunlun’s bones, the temperature within the ceremony hall dropping rapidly. The attendants cried out again, a cacophony of Mercy, Shenxian! and other such nonesense. How dare they, asking him to let go of the one who hurt his chosen bride. And was unrepentant enough to repeat the act in front of Kunlun himself! Kunlun’s fingers tightened their grip, the crack of bones audible in the oppressive silence.

Then fingers wrapped around his own wrist, sliding up to cover his fingers. Kunlun was about to snap at the interloper, when his gaze was caught by Shen Wei’s, firm and steady in challenge.

“Mercy, husband,” Shen Wei implored, slowly uncurling Kunlun’s fingers from Priest Ouyang’s wrist.

“After what he’s done to you, you still beg for him?” Kunlun snarled, but the touch of Shen Wei’s fingers on his was rather distracting. He threw Priest Ouyang down carelessly, focussing all his attention on his bride.

“Just this once,” Shen Wei agreed, smiling with his eyes lowered. “They did raise me, for that I am grateful.” His lashes fluttered, a glint of mischief crossing his face. “And murder is such an inauspicious start to our wedding.”

Kunlun scoffed, amusement soothing his roused temper.

“Because it is you who asks,” he declared aloud, waving a dismissive hand through the air, “I will grant mercy this once. But be warned, priest, from hence on you better keep your tongue in check and your fingers to yourself.”

Priest Ouyang puffed up in offense. “Shenxian, I— Allow me to hunt him down for you, now that I have a name—”

Kunlun’s scowl darkened, ready to smite Ouyang where he knelt. Priest Zhou, his gaze darting from Shen Wei to Kunlun back to Priest Ouyang with a dawning expression, intervened smoothly. “We thank you, Shenxian, for your mercy!”

The attendants echoed his cry and bowed low, all but Priest Ouyang, who kept glaring daggers at Shen Wei. Kunlun was not amused, stepping between the hotheaded priest and his lover.

“But—” Priest Ouyang squawked, and Kunlun had enough. With a snap of his fingers, vines wrapped themselves around the priest, one of them smothering the priest’s next words before they could escape. Another snap, and the head priest’s ring melted off his fingers, leaving him writhing in pain.

“My mercy has limits,” Kunlun announced, flicking his sleeve dismissively. “Take him out of my sight.”

Two attendants hurried to follow his orders, bowing and scraping in between their attempts to pry the struggling and tied up priest from his spot. Finally, they had to resort to rolling him out of the altar room.

“Kunlun.” Shen Wei’s tone was mildly scolding, tugging on his sleeve. Kunlun turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow, daring him to complain about his methods. A smile flit over Shen Wei’s face and he ducked his chin, shaking his head. The jewelry jingled gently, drawing Kunlun’s attention back to how his bride had been wrapped up like a gift for him.

A gift he had waited for far too long to unwrap.

He raised his voice. “Everyone, out!”

“Kunlun,” Shen Wei objected, smile still firmly in place. “What about the ceremony?”

“I don’t care,” Kunlun declared imperiously, but he felt himself soften at Shen Wei’s hopeful expression. “Unless my bride has a wish...?”

“We haven’t even performed our bows,” Shen Wei pointed out, lowering his gaze demurely. “This humble wife-to-be would ask his husband for patience in fulfilling that rite at least.”

“Aiya, when you ask like that, how could I even think to deny you?” Kunlun grumbled, leaning in to brush a kiss to Shen Wei’s forehead. He’d been forced to wait for several days, he could wait for ten more minutes. “Alright. Since it’s important to you.”

“It is,” Shen Wei agreed, and his smile was prettier than the stars.

Taking Shen Wei’s hand, Kunlun led him before the altar and through the three bows: to a statue of Nüwa, as Kunlun's family, to the remaining head priest for having raised his Shen Wei, and one last one to the heavens.

And then, finally, the last of the attendants bowed out, leaving them alone with bowls full of offerings and a stone altar decked out in wedding silks. Kunlun caugh Shen Wei’s gaze and held it steadily as he helped his bride up the steps to lie down on the altar. Towards the first step of cultivating Shen Wei’s immortality.

As you notice, this fic is for Marron's birthday, but you can read it too :v pls have a summary: