Chapter Text
A — Annual
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Annual discussion conferences, in Jiang Cheng’s opinion, were a bother.
It’s simple really. All the leaders of the entire cultivation sects would come, this year it's held in Lanling Jin, and they would discuss such and such matters until Sect Leader Yao would start maundering how unfortunate he is. Another sect leader would try to interfere and bring back the conversation to the topic at hand, however, as expected of the older sect leader, he would inevitably relate himself to the topic again. This, would go on, and on, and on, and on.
Of course, it had to be that old bastard again.
He can feel Zidian slowly vibrating, waiting for the moment its master to verbalize a command. He has no plan to either, he doesn’t want to waste all his anger on someone like Sect Leader Yao. It was petty, Jiang Cheng knew, that he couldn’t quite forgive the old fart for disrespecting him during those years as a struggling, young sect leader. Unfortunately, his nephew was in such a similar situation as well, being a young sect leader, and being the subject of old man’s criticism.
He looks at Jin Ling across him. This was his first discussion conference as sect leader, maybe at the end of it, he’d spare an hour or so with his nephew. Tell him he’s proud, or something of that sort. He sees Jin Ling straighten in his seat, and voices out to the still blabbering sect leader.
“Sect Leader Yao, I understand your qualms and we can fully discuss later on how we would be able to assist such matters, however, we must continue —”
Jin Ling was cut off as the elder man scoffs at the young sect leader, Jiang Cheng grits his teeth.
“How awfully rude of you Sect Leader Jin,” he says mockingly. “You as a youngling know better than to interrupt an elder when they are speaking. Has no one taught you manners?”
Jin Ling flinches at the unwarranted reprimand, Jiang Cheng can feel the last threads of his patience snapping, Zidian sparks, he was about to chew out a few choice words at the old man when he was stunned as a gentle voice speaks.
“Pardon my intrusion, Sect Leader Yao.”
Everyone in the conference looked at the source of that voice. Sect Leader Lan, who came out from his seclusion a few months ago, was seated beside him. The slight hollowness of his cheeks and thin frame from his three-year-long seclusion couldn’t quite erase the firm elegance that only Zewu-jun could have had. Jiang Cheng looks at him, unwittingly noticing the stiff smile the sect leader gave to his peers.
“As we do encourage sharing our own opinions to the conversation, it is of importance that we’d be able to finish the conference with everyone having the opportunity to speak of their own concerns.” he pauses and looks at the older sect leader. “After all, that is the main objective of our discussion conferences, yes?”
Sect Leader Yao bristles at that, shame stunning him and stuttering an affirmation at the question. Jiang Cheng huffs and tries to hide his smirk with his hand. He glances at Sect Leader as he sees him give a nod in Jin Ling’s direction. His nephew nods in return and proceeds to lead the discussion back to their next topic. The conference continues as planned with no other interruptions.
Thank the heavens.
Jiang Cheng has calmed down now, more bored than irritated. Throughout the conference, however, he finds himself intrigued by the Gusu sect leader as he sees in his peripheral that Zewu-jun keeps discretely glancing in his direction.
What’s that about?
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The first day of the conference has ended. Jiang Cheng stretches his back and lets out a few cracks. It's been a long day.
It was early evening, he decides to head back to his designated guest room before meeting with Jin Ling when he sees a familiar figure standing at the veranda near the guest rooms. Zewu-jun, in all his grace, stares outside at the expanse of forestry found at the rear of Koi Tower. Jiang Cheng focuses on him, the man has a blank look contrary to what he typically shows on his face.
That’s a sight to see. He looks like that statue of a brother of his.
He stares at the other man for quite some time, his mind drifting to the unfortunate events that happened years ago at Guanyin Temple. He wills down the urge to grimace at the thought of Wei Wuxian and decides to continue on his journey to his room. However, the other sect leader turns at him and their eyes meet. Jiang Cheng feels warmth spread from his cheeks as he was caught staring. Zewu-jun smiles at him, much genuinely this time, he doesn’t understand why his heart stutters a beat at that.
What the fuck?
The Gusu sect leader bows to greet him. “Good evening Sect Leader Jiang.” he says.
Jiang composes himself and returns the bow. “Sect Leader Lan. Good evening.”
He then hurriedly turns back and walks towards the guest rooms. As if he wasn’t embarrassed enough, he then stumbles as he was brisking his way, then he stumbles again as he hears a chuckle from behind. He feels his face and neck go warmer. Finally reaching his room, he slams the door and wills his beating heart to calm down.
What the actual fuck?