Den Uncle and his Cubs -LXC x JC- Xicheng fic

Reigning the Temper

"I am just saying that the Yangzu Ro clan should be handling the nighthunts with extra care, judging how they destroyed one of our merchant's cart. We had to repay him back to ensure his livelihood isn't lost. This isn't the first time such an occurrence –"

Sect Leader Jiang rolled his eyes at the endless prattle of Sect Leader Yao but it went unnoticed by most. Everyone showed differing levels of annoyance, anger and boredom. It wasn't unusual for the Annual Discussion Conference to be monopolised by Sect Leader Yao who could make any matters of other sect into a mistake or complaint.

"– our farmers could really do with some help from the Xin Zhang Sect –"

Lan Xichen wanted the luxury of huffing in annoyance like Sect Leader Ro or doodling like Sect Leader Jin or glaring and scowling like Sect Leader Jiang.

"– that I personally had to spend my time on aiding in the construction–"

It was the third day of the week-long Discussion Conference, hosted in the Gusu Lan Sect. As Sect Leader, it was imperial for Lan Xichen to work on the seating arrangements to invitations to queries to everything else.

"– blasphemous that the sect wouldn't lend their hands in such a noble –"

He also has to ensure that none of the normal Sect matters or student trainings were hindered by the conference. After leaving seclusion just seven months prior, Lan Xichen was truly exhausted by the planning of such a huge event.

"– doesn't give the right to fight in our lands –"

And now, listening to the endless droning of a Sect Leader who doesn't understand the concept of silence, Lan Xichen truly wondered if he should go back to seclusion.

The noise of the Sect Leader Yao's complaints was drowned by his own,

What if I drank a sip of wine?

I wish I could sleep right now

Is it truly just a rumour that Elder Lan #9 fainted from excessive drinking of tea?

Should I make some renovations in the Hanshi for a new look?

Sect Leader Jiang looks beauti –

Nope. Let's not open that well.

Shufu had started stroking his beard; a few of the Sect Leaders were drowning themselves in wine; a few of them tried to discreetly leave the hall (only to stop when they heard Zidian's crackle).

It was indeed shocking to see such acts in Gusu but even Lan Qiren was close to losing his temper.

Sect Leader Jiang hasn't stopped twisting the ring; the awoken Zidian crackling dangerously but completely unnoticed by the one who should be shutting up soon.

And he snapped.

***

Jiang Cheng was a man of immeasurable patience, not that anyone else would agree. He knew he can sit still for endless hours, just like the Lan Sect disciples. He trains young kids and hormonal teenagers on a daily basis; has to write correspondences to several sects; has been listening to the never-ending nonsense of Sect Leader Yao for the past hour.

Fifteen Years is a long time and almost everything changes in such an extended period. But that one Sect Leader has been consistently annoying all these years. Somehow, he just got worser as time passed.

Yunmeng Jiang was flourishing and these conferences were almost superficial but not for other sects. Many clans were dependent on the friendships they create here and for getting their problems across.

"Sect Leader Yao, if I may interject –", he said, not taking 'No' for an answer, "- this is a discussion conference. Perhaps, we could discuss the problems and matters instead of singing monologues on the woes of our lives".

It got everyone's attention.

The thundering eyes that dared him to talk back and the crackling Zidian waiting to strike; it was a terrifying image.

Sect Leader Yao chuckled awkwardly before trying to speak again.

Man, he will never get the hint even if it is punched in his face.

Sect Leader Jin noticed his uncle's raging mood and quickly tried to divert the topic.

"To address what you said, Sect Leader Yao, the Jin Sect will gladly extend our people to deal with the growing number of fierce corpses near the boundary of Ouyang and Yao sect –"

"Sect Leader Jin, the adults are speaking here. Why don't your wait your turn? After all, pay attention in your early conferences and then maybe, you'll be able to lead your clan better", Sect Leader Yao, said in a sickening sweet tone, as if speaking to a child on the verge of tantrum.

Jin Ling knew he shouldn't lose his cool. He remembered his uncle's only advice for the conference. Don't give anyone any reason to see you as a child.

Gathering his confidence, he started to speak when the porcelain cup in his uncle's hold shattered into pieces. Jiang Cheng's vision darkened and he sneered.

"Did you just insult a Sect Leader who offered his help in the conference? A young Sect Leader who, magnanimously agreed to send his senior disciples to deal with your sect's problem; something you, as the leader should have already dealt with, instead of yammering about another sect matter when yours is in shambles?". His voice was ascending with growing temper and the crackles on Zidian has become silent as the ring began to glow in a bright violet hue. "I thought the Yao sect was strong enough to deal with a low level –"

"CHENG-GE"