(END)Wei wuxian is back but something is wrong

The Road to Gusu

The journey was slow.

Wei Wuxian wanted to move faster, but the cramps made riding uncomfortable, and even walking for too long left her feeling irritable and sore. Lan Wangji noticed, of course—he always noticed—but he didn’t say anything. He simply adjusted his pace to match hers, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Wei Wuxian tried not to be too touched by it.

— Lan Zhan, are you sure you weren’t a doctor in your past life?

Lan Wangji didn’t react.

— No.

Wei Wuxian grinned.

— You’d probably be the scariest doctor in the world. ‘Drink this. Rest. No talking.’

Lan Wangji gave her a look.

She cackled.

But despite her jokes, she was grateful for his presence. The pain had dulled a little—probably thanks to the medicine he’d forced on her—but she still felt off.

Like something was lingering.

Like something from Yiling hadn’t quite let go.

She still had the ribbon. It was tucked safely inside her robes, but every so often, she swore she felt a faint warmth from it. Like it was watching her.

She didn’t tell Lan Wangji.

Not yet.

A Storm Approaches

By late afternoon, the sky had begun to darken.

Clouds rolled in, thick and heavy, and the wind carried the sharp scent of rain.

— There’s a village ahead, — Lan Wangji said.

Wei Wuxian frowned up at the sky.

— Tch. Looks like we won’t make it to Gusu before the storm hits.

Lan Wangji nodded.

— We will find shelter.

Wei Wuxian sighed dramatically.

— Another inn?

Lan Wangji glanced at her.

— A proper one.

Wei Wuxian snorted.

— Let’s hope so.

The village was small but well-kept, nestled between rolling hills. As they entered, the first drops of rain began to fall, dotting the dirt road with dark spots. The people eyed them curiously, but no one seemed hostile.

Lan Wangji found an inn quickly—one that was actually clean and quiet, unlike the last one.

Wei Wuxian flopped onto the bed with a loud groan.

— Ahhh, finally!

Lan Wangji ignored her dramatics, setting their things down neatly.

— Rest. I will find food.

Wei Wuxian peeked up at him, grinning.

— Lan Zhan, you’re really taking care of me like a sickly wife, huh?

Lan Wangji didn’t even look at her.

— Do not cause trouble.

Wei Wuxian cackled.

And with that, Lan Wangji left.

The Whispering Ribbon

Wei Wuxian sighed, relaxing into the mattress. The bed was comfortable, the room was quiet, and for the first time in days, she wasn’t freezing or fighting for her life.

She closed her eyes.

And then—

A whisper.

Soft. Barely there.

Wei Ying…

Wei Wuxian’s eyes snapped open.

She sat up slowly, heart pounding.

The room was empty. The door was closed. The rain had started falling harder outside, tapping against the windows.

Her fingers drifted to her robes—

To the red ribbon.

It was warm.

Warmer than before.

Wei Wuxian swallowed.

Maybe… maybe it was just her imagination. Maybe she was just tired.

But deep down, she knew—

This wasn’t over yet.