Surprise registers across his face as Xingchen hugs him. He can feel his heart beating so hard that he is sure the other man will be able to feel it. He slowly wraps his arms around him as if afraid this is a test and if he makes the wrong move then he will fail.

"I don't see you as weak, daozhang." And if he is weak it is because Xue Yang made him that way..and he will have to be the one to help Xingchen become strong again.

"But you already made me happy and the light is getting brighter on the path." His body is stiff, unsure how to handle being held in such a way when he hadn't been expecting it and when he is so uncertain what might scare the man away.