Thread by @Dgcakes

Father&Sons au thread: the world is big and complex. Besides the Heavens formed by ascended mortals and a realm of dead mortals become ghosts and monsters, there are also brings born as demons or heavenly creatures, and powerful ones born in the heavens or fallen from there

This is also a realm where cultivators can cultivate to immortality...or to demonic status.

In this realm the Celestial Heavens, the Heavenly court, the Ghost Realm and the Endless Abyss all exist.

There have been ages of cultivators that went in and out of fashion and more

In this realm, there once was a prince who became a god then fell from grace after a war. Then he rose and fell once again and now living a life of poverty and misfortune, he traveled alone trying to help others. He lived straight through into the big cultivation boom

During that time sects truly rose to prominence, competing and fighting with each other and the Heavenly Court had to strictly increase the regulations on who could ascend as a martial god due to the prominence of so many heroes. It really was a very tough time

Some heroes and cultivators still made it to Heaven but most didn't. The most creative found other ways to ascend, turning away from pursuing the martial path. Some areas there were more exceptions than others due to fewer attots in that area but overall there was a bloat

In one cultivation sect, a pair of sisters ended up in a very dramatic situation that was rumored between all the sects. The elder was married to a high ranking sectmate but her younger sister was the much favored pupil of the Old Palace Master.

He convinced her to try and spy on a powerful Heavenly Demon, the ruler of the abyss - one of the only three active demon kings of the realm! She instead fell in love with him to the displeasure of her master, who desired her improperly. His wrath against her was great

He imprisoned his pregnant student in the hopes of making her give up her lover and the child but she refused. Her sister and brother-in-law publicly washed their hands of her, but secretly sneaked in against the master's wishes to help her escape.

She escaped and had her son, sending him to drift to safety, but died in the process. Her family went into hiding so we're able to survive for a while, privately having their own child away from the sect, living new lives, but they were eventually found and punished for their act

Xie Lian, in his wanderings, had taken a job helping a poor washerwoman who worked for a well off family. He could assist in her work but did manual labor for the family as well. He was with her the day she spotted something strange in the water.

Usually she would wait for the fishermen to get it out then ask them if it further down the river but if it was a fine fish they could eat well, so she asked Xie Lian to please investigate it. He wasted no time diving into the icy water and bringing the poor baby to shore.

Neither were the sort to leave ababy to freeze, and unlike the mortal woman, Xie Lian could tell the boy was special in some way to have survived. He took him as a son - the woman took him as a grandson, as they were both poor and her health was bad so all three needed each other

So the three lived a simple life together for some time. The boy quickly learned to cook to help his father and Gran with it, since his dad's ability to focus was his usual problem and Gran was so tired. Binghe cooked the best but it meant so much to him to spend time with them

His father was a sweet and gentle person but not weak and Luo Binghe learned it quick. When poor Gran had been scammed out of her money for a fake Jade pendant, his dad had known it was fake. He took them both back to the market to 'explain' the 'misunderstanding'

That day he'd seen the properly intimidating nature of his dad, smiling sweetly but looking at the merchant with such a serious face that the man returned all of her hold it enough for the fake Jade itself and they left with the money and the nice little present for Binghe

In time, Xie Lian recognized what Luo Binghe couldn't at first - how near to death the poor woman was. He had begun storing whatever supplies he could in secret and preparing. So when the day came she was so ill the boy recognized it was her time, Xie Lian was ready.

When Luo Binghe tearfully begged his father to go ask their masters for some congee for her, he produced the supplies. Father and son stayed close to their dear Gran and sang songs to her and cooked her last meal together. They got to spend her last hours together as a family

They mourned together then packed their meager belongings and left together. They were poor and life was hard but they had each other. Xie Lian could never shake his feelings of being an inferior homelife for his son, but he did his best to never show such feelings to his son

Luo Binghe loved his father and in his heart the only true loneliness he felt was at having no others his age he could play with as often, what with their travel.

This loneliness was not to last forever however. Xie Lian and his son came to a town where they encountered the caregivers from an orphanage beside themselves with distress. One of their charges had climbed up a tree, far too high for them to reach! They were very angry with him!

Of course, no child wants to come back down to be yelled at and they didn't dare go up after him. So Xie Lian asked them to look after his son a moment while he climbed for the boy. They were all quite startled to see Luo Binghe but he was such a sweet, well behaved boy!

There was something else about their surprise that interested Xie Lian but he took it at first to be his son's cuteness. His soft round face and fluffy curls were so adorable after all!

But on climbing the tree he learned another reason for their surprise at the boy

Staring suspiciously back at him from a higher branch was a boy who really was so familiar! His hair was brown - even lighter than Xie Lian's - rather than black and his eyes were very different, but he had the same wild curls, same round face, and likely similar strength

Xie Lian talked to the wild little boy. Yi Zhen was not actually as foolish as his caretakers thought, he just wanted to run and play and explore and not constantly be scolded. It took a while talking to him before he let Xie Lian carry him down instead of just jumping himself

When he reaches the bottom, Xie Lian turns his back, putting himself between the boy and the caregivers, setting Yi Zhen down to play with what was obviously a relative of his. Binghe seemed astounded to meet another boy like him and both were delighted when encouraged to play

Xie Lian spoke to the haried caregivers - clearly the boy was a problem for them and Xie Lian would like to know more about him.

Usually they would resist more but clearly they must be family of some kind and they desperately wanted this boy that had been dumped on them gone!

The boy's parents were killed under mysterious circumstances - seemingly it was cultivator business - but their little boy was found hidden in the nursery. Quan Yi Zhen had no real information about his family, believed to have been living under false identities. A lone wild boy

Xie Lian leaves the area with two sons instead of just one. His boys are so cute and just a tad troublesome. Yi Zhen gets in so many problems just wanting to play and explore but Binghe teaches him well and the boys are so close. He travels around with them and it's quiet for now

It didn't stay quiet for long.

Within a few years the little family came to the outskirts of a city. They heard shouting and barks and rushed to it. It was there they found a little boy looking starved and trying to get scraps of food away from the stray dogs.

Xie Lian scooped up the boy while his sons dealt with the dogs - Yi Zhen shooed most but others were calmed by Binghe. Xie Lian hugged on the crying boy and they brought him to eat with them.

Wei Ying was young and babbly and happy - he swore his parents were coming back soon!

Xie Lian could tell it was not such a simple case but couldn't just leave the boy, especially not with how he clung, burying his face in Xie Lian and not wanting to let go. So he promised they could stay to take care of him till his parents returned.

Binghe was already old enough to be incredulous and asked him kater if Wei Ying's parents were really ever returning. Xie Lian admitted that he didn't know but it was worth trying to wait, and they weren't in some rush.

Eventually the boy was sought by the guilty and grieving best friend of his parents, a well meaning man in purple sect robes. He had searched for the boy and found him riding along on the shoulders of a man working on mending clothes.

Jiang Fengmian was conflicted by this

Sect Leader Jiang explained the story to Xie Lian privately. Luo Binghe insisted on being present.

They were told the whole story about Wei Ying's parents. Xie Lian and his sons were all very attached so when he was told they died, he offered to adopt Wei Ying immediately.

Jiang Fengmian was hesitant - his guilt and ties to the parents made him feel strongly he should raise the boy. And Xie Lian's living situation, already with two sons and working - he wouldn't be able to provide as well financially. Luo Binghe interrupts him

Their family can provide emotionally! They're a family! And he doesn't like the thought of someone trying to take his family away.

Xie Lian calms him and apologizes to Sect Leader Jiang but proposes they all go to meet his family and discuss. This is reluctantly agreed to.

At Lotus Pier, the little family is introduced to Madam Yu and their children, as well as the boy's dogs. Wei Ying hides behind his brothers. Jiang Fengmian tries to quietly say to Xie Lian that they would get rid of the dogs when bringing Wei Ying home, much to his wife's anger

Xie Lian feels the tension here and says that seems very unfair to his family which Madam Yu agrees to with an almost snarl, and it's obvious she was not consulted about this and doesn't want her children slighted.

Binghe, eager to make his family look better, steps in

He asks Jiang Cheng about his dogs and if he could introduce them to Binghes littlest brother. He gets the other boy talking and gets Wei Ying to try to meet the dogs.

Yi Zhen is more interested in the kites outside and Yanli explains them to him. He's easy to please

Xie Lian discusses with the parents but he can already see the flaw here. Jiang Fengmian is acting out of feelings that may not be in the best interest of his family but does want to do right. So he proposes something else to appease both wife and husband

He keeps the boy, but lives and works nearby, perhaps with some support of Jiang Sect. They can settle and be self sufficient, but see to Wei Ying's care and he can study with the other children his age in the sect. A friend and shixiong might be better for both boys

This has the added benefit that Jiamg Cheng gets to keep his dogs - not being slighted when he should have consideration as his son - and they can just be away from Wei Ying if he's uncomfortable. Because Xie Lian understands putting them away over getting rid of

Madam Yu is in favor of him not being adopted into their already tenuous family or causing her children to be further pushed aside. Wei Ying is the son of a servant and here he is the son of a laborer too. It suits. She supports her children having friends, just not replacement s

So Xie Lian and his boys get set up in a cottage relatively near lotus pier but further out so Xie Lian can farm or fish or work. It's simple but it gives the boys room to run and play and be energetic little Gremlins, especially with friends over. Both of the jiang kids visit

Yanli takes well to the whole family for treating her well with no need to worry for her low cultivation, and Jiang Cheng likes his friend bit also secretly likes the free affection Uncle gives him.

This family has all sorts they're working through. Quan Yi Zhen has learning issues and/or he's on the autism spectrum. Xie Lian too. Wei Wuxian is ADHD or something of the sort and Luo Binghe has issues with separation and feeling good enough.

So they all work together to help through each other's issues - for example Yi Zhen will tolerate schoolwork if you tell him why he's doing it and let him do it in ways he's comfortable like climbing a tree or running around. Wei Ying needs to have the right outlets

Binghe learns very fast and very well so needs enough material. And Xie Lian has to work but does his best for his boys! They're devoted to each other

Mealtimes with this family are an experience. Yi Zhen can't cook but is frequently tasked with keeping Wei Ying from escaping and overspicing the meals - they're all from different areas so have different taste. Xie Lian does ok but has to be kept from getting distracted.

Binghe likes to really get into making food and when cousin Yanli is over, she likes to practice and share recipes with them. She's very good at keeping Uncle on track in various things and he tries to encourage her. Binghe is a very kind cousin to her

It's a good thing he's not in a major sect there or he'd outrank many of the handsome young cultivators. Jin Zixuan has never felt more strangely jealous than when he was meeting his fiance and all the girls ignored him for her cousin except Yanli (Binghe is a good boy)

Eventually, Xie Lian's elder boys are big enough to go seek out sects to join. They all decided it was best they make their names in separate sects since they have separate needs and don't want to be in competition with each other.

Wei Wuxian intends to stay in this area where this large subset of sects thrives and he already has a place and friends. Jiang Cheng would be offended if he went elsewhere

Quan Yi Zhen heads out west where there are fewer active sects and he can have more personal lessons

Luo Binghe tried out for one of the grand immortal sects, run less by major families and more for their techniques and history fighting the demons of the abyss, rather than just the undead.

Binghe gets in and his master on the peak is a mostly bitter young man with conflicts with the sect master, but his young brother also works on the peak disciple, tutoring others and is allowed to teach classes. Peak Master Shen is cold but his shizun is great

Quan Yi Zhen gets into a sect with the help of an older student who sees his potential but is deeply frustrated by him. His father visits to see the place and his shixiong almost begs to know how to handle him. How can you manage?

"Be direct and give him boundaries. If you say 'dont do that because it will hurt you' or 'because it will make me uncomfortable' he will listen."

The boy struggles with understanding it could be that easy

Wei Ying gets into his usual trouble till he eventually gets a chance to go to a special training in another sect... and gets kicked out in 3 months. Xie Lian goes, as his father and Sect Leader Jiang goes as his own son was also in the fight.

Jiang Cheng is allowed to stay as he's less trouble without Wei Wuxian to encourage him. Xie Lian tells Jin Guangshan that if his son doesn't want to be punched he should watch his mouth about nice young ladies. He goes and picks up his son after

And because XianXian is only 3 years old, Xie Lian really does have to pick him up. He carries him under one arm, walking out with a cheerful smile and Lan Wangji watches in shock and amazement.

Wei Ying does introduce his dad to him in passing and invites him to visit

I would also like to note, this takes place during the hundred or so years Xie Lian would have been in a box - he got out early due to the area being raided by people during cultivation wars.

So Xie Lian's boys are away at their sects, working hard. There comes a year there will be a major tournament between the immortal sects. Xie Lian attends to support Binghe and finally meets his son's beloved shizun, and Shen Qingqiu gets to meet the dad his best student loves

During this conference things go very sideways - Xie Lian wonders if it's his fault. He and Shen Qingqiu go to help students and help Luo Binghe, but can't stop his demon mark being awakened and his nature being exposed.

He and Shen Qingqiu learn right then that he's half demon

Shen Qingqiu of this universe is a scholarly young man who was always sickly till he learned to cultivate. His elder brother fought tooth and nail to get them by while the younger brother learned a lot to help assist his big brother

They had nothing or worse than nothing before this and Shen Qingqiu now has the freedom to live his dreams like researching and writing his monster encyclopedia.

His best student revealed as a half demon, he fears, could ruin him, could ruin all of them, and it's dangerous!

So in his panic, he pushes his faithful student into the Abyss and Binghe doesn't fight him.

After he's done it, he realizes in horror and regrets it but what's done is done. Then he looks to Xie Lian, tying his strange cloth weapon around his own middle.

"What are you doing?"

"Why, going after my son of course."

And Xie Lian jumps into the Endless Abyss, using Ruoye to help him scale safely down sections, going after his son.

Luo Binghe is hopeless and heartbroken and confused. He's even moreso when he sees his dad hopping down into the Abyss like it's nothing.

Xie Lian tends to and comforts his son, explaining his teacher doesn't hate him, he didn't understand him and did something stupid

He stays with Binghe for some time but his son realizes he must conquer the Abyss - and his brothers need their dad. So Luo Binghe asks him to return to them - and Xie Lian agrees, but promises to always welcome him home. He gives him a kiss on his demon mark and they part.

Xie Lian privately tells his other sons kinda what happened - Binghe found out about his bloodline fighting monsters, he had to enter the Abyss and he's going to be alright - he's very powerful. They all agree they will accept him no matter what - his brothers are worried for him

They're a family and will support one another, and the uninvolved only need to know he's elsewhere seeking his fortune and fighting monsters.

The brothers and father share a bond deeper than anything.

So around this time Yi Zhen ascends to Middle Heaven with his shixiong and Xie Lian focuses on with his remaining son.

He's relieved when the archery tournament he's in doesn't end with him in the Abyss. He's less relieved on finding out about these re- education camps

He's so thankful Yi Zhen was off in the west for this, even more thankful when he fully ascends. It's bad enough with one son going through it.

Xie Lian at his cottage is who a frantic Jiang Cheng can make it to first for help for the trapped Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

Xie Lian rushes ahead to help them while Jiang Cheng rests and further help is sent for by neighbors.

He is able to help rescue the two boys from the cave - praising the only conscious one - and helping them to safety till Lan Sect can get him. Xie Lian can carry both of them

Xie Lian can see this boy is conflicted but deeply cares for his son, and he's pleased with this. He takes care of matters.

Jiang Fengmian frets but is reminded to take his own son home and praise him for his heroics too. He is who brought help so they didn't die.

The Wen Sect go after Xie Lian's home before Lotus Pier. He harbored the fugitives and is Wei Wuxian's only parent. Killing them and destroying the home sends a message.

Wei Wuxian is upset but Xie Lian has him run to Lotus Pier and warn them while he stays. It's greatly needed

He "goes down" fighting off these people but is still "killed".

Lotus pier is ready and more of the sect escape. It's leaders refuse to back down but see their children to safety. So much of the sect was privately evacuated in advance and more while Madam Yu distracted them

The boys are still boys and make foolish choices and Wei Wuxian is still stuck trying to sneak around with Jiang Cheng - even dragging around his brother's precious dogs they rescued. Xie Lian rejoins to help them which is very needed. Especially when Jiang Cheng is recaptured.

He was protecting some of his only remaining family and they still go back for him. Xie Lian helps them get help and supports Wei Wuxian's choice to give up his core and talks him through the depression he feels first waking without it. He made the choice he felt was right.

Xie Lian and Wei Wuxian go down the mountain together but while Xie Lian is hiding out with the dogs, Wei Wuxian is captured and lugged off to the burial mounds. He can only release the dogs to go find Jiang Cheng so he knows something happened to them then follows

Wei Wuxian is thrown into the burial mounds and his father joins him soon to try and treat him. He's hurting and angry and depressed but his family's love means the world to him.

He works to create something new and his father stays with him for a long time.

This time changes Wei Wuxian a lot but Xie Lian stays with his son just as someone else stayed with him through his worst. He stays until Wei Wuxian is ready to leave and asks his father to seek safety. Xie Lian is not a cultivator and the war has begun. His sons want him safe.

Wei Wuxian rejoins Jiang Cheng but demonic cultivation has changed him and the war of the cultivation sects has begun.

Wen Ruohan had deals with demons of the Abyss and the war rages, seemingly only ended because of new king taking over there.

Wei Wuxian, with the love he gained from having support during that time and after, comes to lose some of the cloudibg of resentful energy and fully rise as a demon of his own making. Others can use or be consumed by it but he's the grandmaster and a new kind of demon king.

During the war, since so many grand acts happened and great heroes died, the Heavenly Court completely closed off martial god Ascension. Some cultivators survived and cultivated to immortality, some didn't - they were each other's own natural predators.

Those who ascended did so for other reasons. There were plenty of literature gods for scholarly or practical reasons, an elemental god even rose.

But one of those who could have been a martial god, on the war ending and destroying someone he cared for, became a god of music

Fin part 1