Chapter Text
It's a beautiful day in Cloud Recess, if not for a little bit chilly, but as is a sect stationed in the clouds.
Today is a day to remember for all sects have been invited to the Lan Sect to celebrate the safe return of the youngest boy of Sect Leader Lan and Sect Leader Jiang, Jiang Lei. All in attendance are in a good mood, except for one guest wandering the halls, a grumbling Sect Leader Yao.
Sect Leader Yao grumbling face speaks of his disappointment. He surely was ready to offer a grieving Sect Leader Jiang his shoulder or more to comfort him during the trouble time, and sure perhaps he came off a bit too strong, if one is to recall his hasty exit during his last visit to Cloud Recess, but truly his offer was genuine. He had lavish splendor to offer, opulence, everything to offer the young Sect Leader but of course the number one man of the cultivation world stole his chance.
Mouth twisting in discontent, his footsteps pause when he spots a vision before him.
A man, no-a beautiful vision stands looking out at the clouds, dressed in a red hanbok. Sensing he's being watched, the man turns his head and oh my! Sect Leader Jiang is beautiful but this man is gorgeous! Paintings would do this vision no justice.
Clearing his throat and smoothing his clothes, Sect Leader Yao wanders closer. "Why hello. I don't think we are familiar with one another."
The man looks at him demurely, tilting his head. Perhaps he can persuade his wife of allowing him a concubine.
"I'm Sect Leader Yao," he introduce himself, bowing slightly.
The gorgeous man eyes alight, smiling as he lifts his hand to touch his chin, long red nails coming into view. Oh my, those look dangerous, but the thrill he feels is fascinating.
"Are you a guest here as well? What sect, may I ask?"
The man remains silent, peering at him as he steps closer.
Feeling eager at the change, he makes an offer. "You know, my sect is truly the best in the cultivation word. Perhaps as Sect Leader I can invite you to visit, or switch allegiance. Why I can even guarantee a special place in the Yao sect-"
The man suddenly is right in front of him, smiling before suddenly his beautiful face distorts, teeth elongating, terrifying and frightening.
Sect Leader Yao yells.
💮
A scream is heard, nearly obscured by the wind.
Gathered in the main hall, some of the family and guests frown, glancing around. But the sound is not heard from again.
"Well that was weird," Lan Jingyi comments, shuffling closer to his family as they thank the Nie sect for their well wishes, Nie Huaisang bowing before them, offering a toy for Jiang Lei.
"Thank you Uncle Nie," A-Lei happily takes the toy, clutching it close to his chest. Lan Xichen presses a kiss atop his head, holding him close in his arms.
Suddenly Sect Leader Yao comes rushing into the room, his disciples hurrying closer, having wondered where he ran off to. The Yao Sect Leader looks frantic, glancing continuously over his shoulder, acting like a fierce corpse is on his tail.
"Sect Leader Yao are you alright?" Sect Leader Jiang asks.
Said Leader turns at the question, hurrying forward. "Yes, yes, but there's something here something-" he blinks and falls quiet, going pale as a sheet.
"What's wrong with him?" Jin Ling whispers, leaning towards Lan Sizhui.
"He looks scared," A-Bai mentions to Yanli, the older girl snorting.
"Who is that?" Sect Leader Yao chokes out.
Glancing over his shoulder, Jiang Cheng smiles at the figure that had been hiding, now coming into focus. "Why this is Xinghong. Our son's protector. He had been accompanied him during the time he was missing and now is formerly adopted into our sect."
"A-Hong is family!" Jiang Lei gleeful smile, is not even fearful as he reaches for Xinghong who gently grasps his hand, mindful of those dangerous long, blood red nails.
The spirit smiles at Sect Leader Yao, eyes going a shade black, making the old man gulp.
"We thank you for coming today Sect Leader Yao to celebrate A-Lei's safe return."
"Yes, why myself and my sect are so glad, so happy for your safe return young master Jiang," Sect Leader eagerly nods, bowing hastily as his disciples follow the bow, confused as well at the demonor of their leader. He then turns and wanders away, as far as the room allows, leaving the Jiang-Lan family confused.
There's a poorly smothered giggle in Lan Xichen's arms, who jostles the child gently. "What's so funny Flower?"
A-Lei stages whispers, loud enough for just the family to hear. "I told Xinghong that you and Mama don't really like Sect Leader Yao because he looks at Mama like Jingyi looks at chicken."
Jiang Cheng outright snorts while the children muffle their laughter, Jin Ling bumbing his arm against a smiling Jingyi. That square smile of A-Lei is quickly covered by his small hand as he descends into giggles once more.
A glance towards Xinghong finds the spirit softly smirking, offering a wink to them before covering his face with the mask.
Lan Xichen squares his expression, even as his lips twitch in the urge to smile, but Jiang Cheng doesn't bother hiding his.
It seems their new family member fits right in.