Pursuit

(A/N: finally! It’s here!)

Jiang Cheng read his subordinate’s report about the recent sighting of a corpse. “Hmm.” He hummed. “Send the new disciples in the patrolling team for them to gain experience.” He said as he wrote on a new paper and stamped it before he handed it to his subordinate. He stamped the report, marking it done and put it on the side.

“Yes, sect leader.” His subordinate saluted and immediately left, bringing the new order to the others.

Jiang Cheng finally heaved a sigh as he laid his back on the wall, taking a break. It’s been a long time since he last felt relaxed. That was when before Wei Wuxian died, and after Wei Wuxian came back alive. After the Guanyin temple incident which finally ended all the dangers lurking in the dark due to Jin Guangyao, finally, he (JC) could take breaks in between his work and he felt his body completely relaxed. He only got his sect to manage since Jin Ling already grew up and he only had to supervise him from time to time.

He looked at the pile of papers on his desk. “Too much work… it’s really tiring to be a sect lea – “

“Sect leader Jiang.” A low and deep voice called.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes went wide and he immediately sat upright when he heard and unfamiliar voice. However, his action was too abrupt he felt his waist snapped. “Oww!” he hissed in a whisper as he sent his hand on his back, holding his waist.

“Sect leader Jiang! Are you alright?!” Lan Xichen worriedly asked as he ran towards Jiang Cheng and saw him holding his back.

Jiang Cheng raised his head and looked at the newcomer. “Sect leader Lan.” He called, surprised. “What brought you here?” he asked. “You didn’t announce your arrival. I was surprised.” He said.

“I told your disciples not to notify you, which is the cause why you got hurt. I apologize.” Lan Xichen said, guilt in his voice as he sent spiritual power to relieve the pain.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes went wide as he looked in surprise. “Sect leader Lan, how kind of you.” He said. “Thank you.” He told him when he felt the pain is gone.

Lan Xichen smiled as he stood in front of Jiang Cheng. “It’s nothing.” He told him.

Jiang Cheng nodded. A moment of silence fell upon them. “Sect leader Lan. What brought you here?” he asked when he felt the atmosphere suddenly turned awkward. He lowered his head, pretending to read the reports. “Please have a seat.” He added when the other didn’t answer and so the silence continued. The GusuLan sect are really stifling people. He thought, remembered Lan Wangji’s taciturn attitude. How unlucky Wei Wuxian is marrying that guy. With that thought, he snorted.

Lan Xichen, who was staring at Jiang Cheng’s face for a long time after finally seeing the other up close, woke from his daze when he heard the other laughed. He saw the other was smiling. A smile formed on his lips subconsciously. “Sect leader Jiang is laughing. I wonder what could it be?” he asked.

Jiang Cheng suddenly remembered there’s a visitor. He fixed his expression and coughed to hide his embarrassment. “Nothing. Just a thought.” He answered.

“I wonder if sect leader Jiang could share it with me?” Lan Xichen asked.

Jiang Cheng paused, then looked at him. “I just remembered Wei Wuxian and your brother’s marriage.” He finally answered.

Hearing this, Lan Xichen paused, then his smile became wider. “Have sect leader Jiang thought of marriage?” he asked and stared at Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng froze. He raised his head and looked at Lan Xichen. He stared at the man before he spoke, his face went serious. “Is sect leader Lan here to ask me of my marriage?” he asked, puzzled. Why should this man care of my marriage? He thought and frowned. Was it because I am somewhat part of his family now that we are brothers-in-law? He thought.

Lan Xichen suddenly chuckled, which woke Jiang Cheng from his thoughts. “Indeed, I am here for marriage.” Lan Xichen said.

Hearing this, Jiang Cheng’s brows knit. He can’t help but frown. “Now that only us as the  sect leaders left, aside from Nie Huaisang, you want to care about my matters as fellow sect leaders?” he asked directly.

Lan Xichen nodded. “Indeed.” He said and looked at Jiang Cheng’s face. “I want to care of your matters.” He answered.

Jiang Cheng started to get irritated now. Displeasure was shown on his face as his eyes narrowed at Lan Xichen. “Sect leader Lan.” He called, his face dark while Lan Xichen’s face is bright. “As far as I can remember, our sects have a harmonious relationship, now that my brother is married on your sect. However – “ he said. “ – I clearly don’t remember we’ve engaged ourselves in each other’s matters? Why the sudden interest now?” he asked, frowning but his face is full of confusion. What the hell is this person planning now? He thought. He clearly remember that Lan Xichen had never involved himself in his (JC) own matters, aside from helping him rebuild his (JC) sect. He froze, realizing this thought. Wait. He thought, his eyes widened. He doesn’t plan to… he sharply turned to Lan Xichen who calmly stood up and stared at him. Wait. Is he – he thought, his heart pounding wildly against his chest.

I guess this is enough stalling. Lan Xichen thought as he finally managed to calm his nerves after he got excited seeing Jiang Cheng again. Wanyin… he thought as he took a deep breath. “I want to propose an engagement – “ he said.

However, Jiang Cheng cut him off. “Wait!” he said as he raised his hand to stop him from speaking, which startled him. Jiang Cheng looked at Lan Xichen, pleading in his eyes. “Please…” he said as he took a deep breath. “Don’t… don’t – “ he said, his eyes watered, on the verge of crying.

Lan Xichen’s eyes went wide when he saw Jiang Cheng is about to cry. Wanyin… he thought, feeling his heart hurt. Are you that afraid of me? He thought. “Wanyin – “ he called.

“Please don’t take my sect away from me!” Jiang Cheng said, his voice panicked and full of fear.

Lan Xichen froze. “… what?” he said and looked at Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng finally raised his head and looked at Lan Xichen, his tears falling from his face. “… what?” he asked, confusion in his voice when he saw Lan Xichen’s indescribable expression. “Err, you…” he said, unsure. He looked at Lan Xichen, peeking at the expression on his face. “Aren’t you asking for my sect?” he asked.

Lan Xichen felt like laughing and crying. “… how can you say that?” he asked.

“Uhm…” Jiang Cheng said as he stood straight and started to think. “You helped me build my sect before so… you’re taking it back now?” he asked, telling him his thoughts.

“… why should I help (give) you when I’ll just take it back?”

Jiang Cheng was taken aback, his forehead knotted. “Weren’t you taking it back?” he asked. This time, Lan Xichen smiled. He felt his heart itched as he stared at Jiang Cheng’s expression. Ah. Felt like time never changed. He thought, remembered their days in the Cloud Recesses when they were studying. “If I want to take your sect, what will you do?” he asked.

Jiang Cheng’s eyes went wide and he gaped at him, shocked. “You really want it back?!” he said. How cruel! He thought as hurt passed his eyes. He didn’t expect someone from the GusuLan can be cruel! And it’s their sect leader! Wait – he thought as he felt panicked. Wei Wuxian is now married at Lan Wangji! He looked at Lan Xichen before him, glaring. “Give me back my brother!” he told him.

Lan Xichen’s brows raised, amused at Jiang Cheng. “Why?” he asked.

“Because you are cruel!” Jiang Cheng finally said as he pointed him (LXC). “Thus, your brother that Lan Wangji should also be cruel towards my brother!” he concluded.

Pft -Lan Xichen’s lips pursed, forcing himself not to laugh. “Once married, cannot leave.” He shrugged. “So, how will you repay me if I won’t take your sect?” he asked and crossed his arms as he smiled at him (JC) brightly.

Jiang Cheng froze. How hateful! He thought as he looked at Lan Xichen. He remembered how benevolent the man was before when he helped Wei Wuxian’s body recover by suggesting to him the cold springs. He also remembered the man helped him rebuild his sect. His eyes lowered as he remembered the past. How soft I become after I resolved my conflict with Wei Wuxian. He thought and looked away, feeling nostalgic. My methods in training my disciples also became kinder. It was because all the problems have passed. “I’ll pay you.” He answered.

“We don’t accept money. Only give money.” Lan Xichen answered. One of the Lan clan’s rules is ‘Don’t accept rewards. Only punishment.’

Jiang Cheng frowned. “I only have money.” He said.

“You can do service.” Lan Xichen said.

Jiang Cheng felt his body froze and he paused for seconds before he exploded. Face red in anger and embarrassment, he glared at Lan Xichen. “You -!” he said as he pointed the man. “How vulgar!” he exclaimed.

Lan Xichen’s brows raised. “How is it vulgar?” he asked. Before Jiang Cheng could speak, he added. “You can pay me through marriage.” He said, his eyes on the man.

Jiang Cheng froze, feeling his face burned. “Marriage?” he said. “However, my brother is already married to Lan Wangji.” He said.

“That doesn’t count.” Lan Xichen said. “Young master Wei doesn’t have the Jiang clan’s blood.” He explained.

Jiang Cheng paused. Jiang blood? Does he mean – he thought and looked at Lan Xichen. “You mean… Ah Ling?” he said, his brows knit. He started to get mad again. “Ah Ling is a man!” he told him.

“What if he’s a man?”

“He’s still a child - !”

“I agree. Also, young master Jin has the Jin clan’s blood.” Lan Xichen said.

Jiang Cheng sighed in relief. He thought he’d marry Jin Ling off early. “Then… there’s no one left.” He said. “And so, I can’t pay you through marriage –“

Lam Xichen cut him off. “You can.” He said.

“Huh?”

“There’s still one left.”

“…”

“Yes. You, sect leader Jiang – “ Lan Xichen smiled. “ – Wanyin.” He said.

A second later and a white figure was flown out of the YunmengJiang sect leader’s room, courtesy of the Zidian whip.

(A/N: aww. Big bro failed 😂)