[ Sassy as Mo Ran is, Xichen feels sorry for him being without his Shizun. He also wonders if he is eating enough, as most people tend to struggle. ]
Mo Weiyu, this is Lan Xichen: please pardon my disturbance. I was recently instructed on how to make some simple dishes and have an excess of them left over, I was wondering if a young man like yourself would appreciate an extra meal for free.
[ food isn't really a place where mo ran struggles nowadays, always careful to make sure he has enough to eat. but food is still so important to him that he feels flustered when he gets that message, and it takes him a few minutes to respond. ]
I would like that, Senior. What have you learned to make?
Ah, all vegetarian I'm afraid. That's what we eat in Gusu. Wontons, onion scallions, some tofu and mushroom buns, egg and chive dumplings, noodles with roasted green beans ...
[ That makes him smile, flattered even if he's still nervous about the quality of his food. He is no Wen Kexing, that's for sure. ]
Descended from monks. More monk-like than any other sect, perhaps. If you come to the house I am using in Unkharil, I can ensure your meal is a warm one.
[ With a description of his stone home which is all but drenched in hanging flowers and vines. ]
[ He doesn't wait for a reply and merely sets off to Lan Xichen's house. It's easy to find, luckily, and Mo Ran is swift, gliding along on light feet. He's in black robes these days, easy to mend and comfortable, the same sort of robes he'd worn for years on the road.
When he arrives, he knocks and actually waits for a response, trying to remember his manners. And when Xichen bids him enter, or opens the door, he stops to bow and offer a proper greeting. ] Thank you for having me, Senior.
[ Xichen has the sleeves of his humble blue-and-white robes tied back at the stove, nodding politely to Mo Ran as he makes himself known. He half expected an "I'm here!" but perhaps the promise of food is keeping him well-mannered. ]
I'm glad you could make it, Weiyu. Please take a seat and help yourself to what's left of the buns in the basket on the table, I'm just reheating the noodles and wontons a little.
[ Two plump buns await Mo Ran in the basket keeping them hot. ]
[ the use of his courtesy name makes him mentally wince; no one has used that, outside of yelling at him, in years. even in his travels, he's been mo-zongshi to the people he helps.
but he isn't about to correct xichen, especially when food is involved. ]
Thank you, senior. [ he settles at the table, digging into the basket and biting into the bun. he's not starving, and cautious enough that, despite his ill-mannered approach on the network, he eats with some grace.
the bun is... hearty, decent. not the best he's ever had, but not a solid attempt. and it was offered to him, so even the worst food would taste amazing. ]
The work here is similar to what I was doing before I arrived, so it is keeping me occupied. How are you, Senior?
[ He sets down the rest of the food after closing down the kitchen area, setting them nearer Mo Ran's side of the table. On his, he serves tea, also to Mo Ran first, then himself. ]
I've been quite well, thank you. [ It's true, surprisingly. Wen Kexing has been a hugely uplifting force in his life, as of late. ] I was never taught to cook, so I have been learning. This way I hope to be less of a burden on anyone.
What were you doing before, training with your shizun?
[ mo ran knows polite habits, manners trained into him after his arrival at sisheng peak, but even after years of trying to emulate chu wanning, they don't come naturally to him. he watches lan xichen with fascination, curious at his methods.
he continues eating; for all that he's a capable cultivator, he rarely bothers with inedia, preferring to enjoy his food. and the food lan xichen's prepared is decent. hearty, if a little humble. ]
It is a useful skill. I have found people who enjoy cooking don't mind doing it for others. [ in the years he's traveled, most people had been happy to share meals. ] I like seeing people eat the food I've prepared.
[ especially if those people are people he cares for. ]
We were helping with the harvest in a small village. They needed laborers, so our sect leader sent us. It was honest work.
Weiyu shames me, [ he teases, ] I shall have to keep up the habit when I return home. The disciples of our mountain take turns to cook but I always seem to be too busy to have a go. Thankfully, somewhat, I will have the time owing to my seclusion.
[ He can refine one or two dishes, that would be fun amidst cutting himself off from all connection. Even if people wouldn't be able to eat Xichen's meals, it would be a stable reminder that people other than Jin Guangyao do exist. ]
The impression I gather of your shizun is that he knows what is good for growing young men, I should like to meet him one day.
I can trade recipes if you need more. [ he grins, bright and sweet. ] You were in seclusion before you left? To further your cultivation or for a specific reason?
[ The slightest hint of concern bleeds into his voice; he remembers his shizun's seclusion too well.
The mention of his teacher makes him laugh, although he sets down his chopsticks before doing so; he doesn't want to fling food at Xichen like he had done to Chu Wanning once so many years ago. ]
He is the best person I know. Very knowledgeable and skilled, one of the best cultivators in the world. He had been here for some time but left recently. It's a shame he did not have a chance to meet you.
Thank you. [ Ah, sweet boy. Cocky and chattier than a disciple of Gusu Lan, was his first impression of Mo Ran when he asked to ride Xichen's sword months ago, but now he seems more like one of Sizhui's bold friends from the other sects.
His smile only wavers for a moment when he brushes off his seclusion, not wanting to make the whole affair a burden on their pleassnt conversation. ]
It's a long story. I will return down the mountain when the time is right.
[ When his grief is not lessened but better controlled. ]
I don't have any direct disciples of my own but as sect leader I have a responsibility over them all the same, especially when their own masters are absent. If it is not too forward or offensive to you, and you believe your shizun would appreciate the effort, I would like to look out for you while we are all stranded in these ever-changing realms.
[ He cocks his head, not without an amused twitch at the corner of his lips. ]
I do the same for my nephew, if it eases any concerns you may have. He is a little younger than you.
[ The admission comes as something of a surprise to Mo Ran, who, despite the food and the company, rarely expects something like that. There's a history behind him; Mo Ran has spent years now looking at his past self and wondering what happened, why he went the direction he did. There was so much hatred in his heart, and some of it is still there, and he worries about becoming that again. And he knows, deep down inside, he will never make up for who he was, or what he did.
The grace shown to him by this kind, gentle man, with his singed buns and vegetables is undeserved. Anything further is kindness he can never repay.
The thoughts are quick, and he tries to keep the perplexed, contemplative emotions under wraps, but it's likely very evident on his face as he considers this. Eventually, he puts down his chopsticks and scoots back from the table so he can bow to Xichen. ]
I would appreciate your guidance. [ He can't be his shizun because no one can replace what Chu Wanning was to him, in the past life or in this one. But he can be a mentor; Mo Ran is learning this is a possibility. And after all, even his shizun had a shizun, and a sect leader he followed.
Though the mention of his nephew makes Mo Ran swallow, looking away to hide his amusement. There's nothing familial about his relationship with his relationship, but he won't sully Chu Wanning's name or Xichen's ears with such commentary. ] I am sure my shizun would approve of me finding support from others around me.
[ Pleased, he inclines his head in a grateful nod. ]
I'm sure he would too. Please, treat this as informally as you wish, the situation that brought us both to these realms is very strange. I am simply here if you need assistance: I don't want to tread on the toes of someone else's already capable disciple.
[ He wouldn't, but Mo Ran doesn't know that. Still, reassured, he goes back to eating, digging into his food with relish. He's never had someone offer to take care of him so explicitly, so he feels happy, his heart content. ]
You are too kind, Senior. I do think I've learned a lot on my travels over the past five years, but it's different here. Everyone seems to work together.
[ There's somethong infectious about Mo Ran's good cheer. ]
All cultivators should help each other, otherwise what are we doing with our lives? Sects and clans, these differences should be celebrated, but at heart we are one family.
No. [ He snaps it, the word rushed, and then presses his lips together, looking away. ]
Forgive my outburst, senior, but the sects in my world were not noble or helpful and left the common people on their own or charged exorbitant prices for their work. I am not family with them.
[ The snapped tone makes him sit straighter, watching him as Mo Ran apologies and explains. Unexpected. ]
I'm sorry. In truth, there have been many conflicts between the sects I know: peace was only found long after two were eradicated, and not as a direct result. It was a mess for a long time, with betrayal and murder laced behind the scenes.
I don't intend to put up with that kind of behaviour from anyone anymore, whether they are my equal or not.
[ Two sects wiped out. That is unusual. For all the petty differences in sects in his world, Mo Ran did not know of any that were completely eradicated beyond the ones he destroyed in his reign as Taxian-jun, emperor of the cultivation world. ]
It is a pity that the sects do not attempt to use their cultivation powers for the betterment of the common people. My shizun taught me to do that, and I tried to take on his mantle while he was recovering for a time.
First the Yiling lands, they became the Burial Mounds, then the Wens were all but exterminated after a war because the hatred against them was so rife. It was a bloody and unfortunate time.
[ That said, he sips his tea and listens to Mo Ran. It makes him smile softly to hear such kindness is alight in the young man, the fire within him doesn't idly burn in any direction. ]
You're a good boy. I'm sure your shizun knows it. If he returns here and you and I continue to stay in touch in the future, I'll speak for your conduct should he ask.
While none of our sects have been eradicated as such, a town died and a portal opened, allowing demons and monsters to escape, and the ten great sects all suffered massive losses. Which left cultivators still unwilling to help.
[ Disappointment tints his tone, as though he has any right to be disappointed, but Mo Ran didn't expect any differently from most of the sects.
He grins at Lan Xichen, ducking his head. He doesn't deserve that, and he knows it, but also he has no need to tell Lan Xichen about such things. ]
Thank you, senior. Should any of your sect show up, I will praise your cooking skills.
[ It's enough to hear of such things and, not wanting to pry or force Mo Ran to have to relieve such unfortunate events, he merely nods and solemnly remembers what he's told. Fortunately, a happier topic comes along in short order and Xichen softly snorts. ]
Enough of my sect are already here, I think. My brother and his husband, and their son ... that's quite enough to be getting on with for now. I have already fed them, the only people who would have perhaps been honest if what I was making was truly heinous.
The other Senior Lan? Wears white, has a very sharp tongue? [ He's talked to Lan Wangji a few times, told him some things; he was there when Mo Ran lost control while trying to play a suitor, and Taxian-jun came out. ] He's mentioned his husband and son. Still not sure how he ended up married.
[ It's good, though, that Lan Xichen has people who would be honest about food. It's impossible for Mo Ran to manage that. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
un: average sighren, audio
Mo Weiyu, this is Lan Xichen: please pardon my disturbance. I was recently instructed on how to make some simple dishes and have an excess of them left over, I was wondering if a young man like yourself would appreciate an extra meal for free.
un: pillar of the heavens | audio
I would like that, Senior. What have you learned to make?
no subject
It's plain but filling.
[ Mildly burned here and there. ]
no subject
I'm sure it is wonderful.
[ Even burned food, given freely with him in mind, is tasty. ]
no subject
Descended from monks. More monk-like than any other sect, perhaps. If you come to the house I am using in Unkharil, I can ensure your meal is a warm one.
[ With a description of his stone home which is all but drenched in hanging flowers and vines. ]
no subject
[ He doesn't wait for a reply and merely sets off to Lan Xichen's house. It's easy to find, luckily, and Mo Ran is swift, gliding along on light feet. He's in black robes these days, easy to mend and comfortable, the same sort of robes he'd worn for years on the road.
When he arrives, he knocks and actually waits for a response, trying to remember his manners. And when Xichen bids him enter, or opens the door, he stops to bow and offer a proper greeting. ] Thank you for having me, Senior.
no subject
I'm glad you could make it, Weiyu. Please take a seat and help yourself to what's left of the buns in the basket on the table, I'm just reheating the noodles and wontons a little.
[ Two plump buns await Mo Ran in the basket keeping them hot. ]
How are you today?
no subject
but he isn't about to correct xichen, especially when food is involved. ]
Thank you, senior. [ he settles at the table, digging into the basket and biting into the bun. he's not starving, and cautious enough that, despite his ill-mannered approach on the network, he eats with some grace.
the bun is... hearty, decent. not the best he's ever had, but not a solid attempt. and it was offered to him, so even the worst food would taste amazing. ]
The work here is similar to what I was doing before I arrived, so it is keeping me occupied. How are you, Senior?
no subject
I've been quite well, thank you. [ It's true, surprisingly. Wen Kexing has been a hugely uplifting force in his life, as of late. ] I was never taught to cook, so I have been learning. This way I hope to be less of a burden on anyone.
What were you doing before, training with your shizun?
no subject
he continues eating; for all that he's a capable cultivator, he rarely bothers with inedia, preferring to enjoy his food. and the food lan xichen's prepared is decent. hearty, if a little humble. ]
It is a useful skill. I have found people who enjoy cooking don't mind doing it for others. [ in the years he's traveled, most people had been happy to share meals. ] I like seeing people eat the food I've prepared.
[ especially if those people are people he cares for. ]
We were helping with the harvest in a small village. They needed laborers, so our sect leader sent us. It was honest work.
no subject
[ He can refine one or two dishes, that would be fun amidst cutting himself off from all connection. Even if people wouldn't be able to eat Xichen's meals, it would be a stable reminder that people other than Jin Guangyao do exist. ]
The impression I gather of your shizun is that he knows what is good for growing young men, I should like to meet him one day.
no subject
[ The slightest hint of concern bleeds into his voice; he remembers his shizun's seclusion too well.
The mention of his teacher makes him laugh, although he sets down his chopsticks before doing so; he doesn't want to fling food at Xichen like he had done to Chu Wanning once so many years ago. ]
He is the best person I know. Very knowledgeable and skilled, one of the best cultivators in the world. He had been here for some time but left recently. It's a shame he did not have a chance to meet you.
no subject
His smile only wavers for a moment when he brushes off his seclusion,
not wanting to make the whole affair a burden on their pleassnt conversation. ]
It's a long story. I will return down the mountain when the time is right.
[ When his grief is not lessened but better controlled. ]
I don't have any direct disciples of my own but as sect leader I have a responsibility over them all the same, especially when their own masters are absent. If it is not too forward or offensive to you, and you believe your shizun would appreciate the effort, I would like to look out for you while we are all stranded in these ever-changing realms.
[ He cocks his head, not without an amused twitch at the corner of his lips. ]
I do the same for my nephew, if it eases any concerns you may have. He is a little younger than you.
no subject
The grace shown to him by this kind, gentle man, with his singed buns and vegetables is undeserved. Anything further is kindness he can never repay.
The thoughts are quick, and he tries to keep the perplexed, contemplative emotions under wraps, but it's likely very evident on his face as he considers this. Eventually, he puts down his chopsticks and scoots back from the table so he can bow to Xichen. ]
I would appreciate your guidance. [ He can't be his shizun because no one can replace what Chu Wanning was to him, in the past life or in this one. But he can be a mentor; Mo Ran is learning this is a possibility. And after all, even his shizun had a shizun, and a sect leader he followed.
Though the mention of his nephew makes Mo Ran swallow, looking away to hide his amusement. There's nothing familial about his relationship with his relationship, but he won't sully Chu Wanning's name or Xichen's ears with such commentary. ] I am sure my shizun would approve of me finding support from others around me.
no subject
I'm sure he would too. Please, treat this as informally as you wish, the situation that brought us both to these realms is very strange. I am simply here if you need assistance: I don't want to tread on the toes of someone else's already capable disciple.
no subject
You are too kind, Senior. I do think I've learned a lot on my travels over the past five years, but it's different here. Everyone seems to work together.
no subject
All cultivators should help each other, otherwise what are we doing with our lives? Sects and clans, these differences should be celebrated, but at heart we are one family.
no subject
Forgive my outburst, senior, but the sects in my world were not noble or helpful and left the common people on their own or charged exorbitant prices for their work. I am not family with them.
no subject
I'm sorry. In truth, there have been many conflicts between the sects I know: peace was only found long after two were eradicated, and not as a direct result. It was a mess for a long time, with betrayal and murder laced behind the scenes.
I don't intend to put up with that kind of behaviour from anyone anymore, whether they are my equal or not.
no subject
[ Two sects wiped out. That is unusual. For all the petty differences in sects in his world, Mo Ran did not know of any that were completely eradicated beyond the ones he destroyed in his reign as Taxian-jun, emperor of the cultivation world. ]
It is a pity that the sects do not attempt to use their cultivation powers for the betterment of the common people. My shizun taught me to do that, and I tried to take on his mantle while he was recovering for a time.
no subject
[ That said, he sips his tea and listens to Mo Ran. It makes him smile softly to hear such kindness is alight in the young man, the fire within him doesn't idly burn in any direction. ]
You're a good boy. I'm sure your shizun knows it. If he returns here and you and I continue to stay in touch in the future, I'll speak for your conduct should he ask.
no subject
[ Disappointment tints his tone, as though he has any right to be disappointed, but Mo Ran didn't expect any differently from most of the sects.
He grins at Lan Xichen, ducking his head. He doesn't deserve that, and he knows it, but also he has no need to tell Lan Xichen about such things. ]
Thank you, senior. Should any of your sect show up, I will praise your cooking skills.
no subject
Enough of my sect are already here, I think. My brother and his husband, and their son ... that's quite enough to be getting on with for now. I have already fed them, the only people who would have perhaps been honest if what I was making was truly heinous.
no subject
[ It's good, though, that Lan Xichen has people who would be honest about food. It's impossible for Mo Ran to manage that. ]
no subject
[ His lips twitch at the criticism because, honestly, he can understand outsider views of Wangji. ]
He's very loyal and brave, so I have it on good authority he was easy to fall for.
no subject
[ Says the guy who fell in love with his shizun, who was a terrifying figure in the cultivation world.
He just doesn't realize that yet. ]
Are you married, Senior?
no subject
No, I never accepted the proposals. It was never the right time.