JC x LXC one-shots

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With an urgency that matched the pounding of his heart, Jiang Cheng made the journey from Yunmeng to Gusu with remarkable speed. The austere entrance to the Cloud Recesses loomed before him, its grandeur accentuated by the full moon's luminescence. He had sent a letter to Zewu-jun, but it remained unanswered, causing him to worry that the Lan Sect Leader had grown tired of him like everyone else seemed to. Zewu-jun had been in self-imposed seclusion for over a year, but only in the past few weeks had he stopped communicating with Jiang Cheng. The correspondence had begun simply enough, with the two sect heads exchanging unbiased reports on the latest cultivation news. Lan Xichen had trusted Jiang Cheng's unfiltered honesty and sought his perspective on the matter at hand. It had been a refreshing change of pace for Jiang Cheng, who had grown used to being ostracized by his peers.

("Perhaps you could consider reaching out to your brother or his significant other? This may prove to be a simpler solution than having to go through the trouble of sending letters to Lotus Pier?"

"It appears that our brothers are still on their journey."

"I see."

"Don't misunderstand me, Sect Leader Jiang. I appreciate a forthright opinion from someone who is not related to me, is not intimidated by me, and doesn't blindly seek my approval."

"I can certainly give you plenty of opinions on the stuffy elders who clog meeting time with unnecessary issues and outdated concerns."

"That sounds fantastic. I appreciate your input and will consider it. Thank you for your time and insight, Sect Leader Jiang.' ) 

Jiang Cheng's mind is haunted by relentless thoughts of his inadequacies. They seem to surface easily, squirming underneath his skin, tormenting him with a sense of worthlessness. He yearns to rip them out and destroy them, but they seem to be rooted too deep within him. Over the past year, he had convinced himself that he was important to someone, not just because of a blood connection or fear of his wrath. However, the past few weeks of silence have made him doubt his worth again. He cannot help but wonder if he has been found lacking, or if there is something far more worrying behind Lan Xichen's lack of correspondence. The uncertainty is overwhelming, and he longs for some closure.

("My uncle has been insisting that I should end my seclusion and take charge of my responsibilities. Alternatively, he suggested that I formally request Wangji to assume my duties."

"Is that what you want?"

"No, I still don't wish to burden my brother and his husband with this. They enjoy their freedom."

"Then tell your Uncle he'll have to keep waiting until you're ready."

"What if I'm never ready?"

"Don't ask ridiculous questions. I think you're ready now, you just have to do it, but it's not up to me and it's not up to your Uncle. It's your sect, the last I checked."

"Sect Leader Jiang..."

"So formal, Sect Leader Lan. Aren't we past that by now?" )

As Jiang Cheng makes his way down the familiar paths of Cloud Recesses, he can't help but feel a slight twinge of apprehension as he approaches the small house nestled in the back. Despite having visited numerous times, he is acutely aware that he is not privy to the inner workings of GusuLan and any potential issues that may have arisen. The serene surroundings of meadows and fog, guest dormitories, and the family residence serve as a stark contrast to the unease he feels. He knows that as a sect leader, he may not be informed of any major developments, and the possibility of Wei Wuxian breaking a gag order to share information about Lan Xichen's mental state is uncertain. Nonetheless, Jiang Cheng strides forward with a sense of determination, ready to face whatever lies ahead.