JC x LXC one-shots

Serenade of the Moonlit Lotus

In the tranquil depths of the Cloud Recesses, the moon cast a gentle glow upon the lotus pond, painting it silver. A soft breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers through the air. It was in this serene setting that Lan Xichen, the dignified sect leader of the Gusu Lan Clan, found himself taking refuge after the hardships brought upon the cultivation world by the SunShot Campaign and the Wen Sect rising even more.

As the days that turned into weeks went by, news of the Lan Clan's recovery reached all corners of the realm, including the ears of Jiang Cheng, the young leader of the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. Curiosity mixed with longing, prompting Jiang Cheng to make his way to the Cloud Recesses.

On a night adorned with stars, Jiang Cheng arrived under the guise of seeking an alliance between their clans. But in truth, his heart yearned for something far deeper - a connection he couldn't deny any longer. The moonlit pond seemed to echo his emotions to him as he walked through the ethereal garden, unsure of how to reveal his true intentions.

Unbeknownst to Jiang Cheng, Lan Xichen had been aware of his presence from the moment he set a foot in the Cloud Recesses. As the embodiment of grace and composure, Lan Xichen greeted Jiang Cheng with a warm smile, hiding the fluttering in his own chest.

"Jiang Wanyin, welcome to the Cloud Recesses. It's an honor to have you here," Lan Xichen said, his voice as soft as the breeze that caressed the lotus leaves.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, trying to steady his heartbeat, and replied, "Lan Huan, I come with the intent to discuss an alliance between our clans. But..." He hesitated, searching for the right words.

"But?" Lan Xichen encouraged gently.

"But there is something else on my mind," Jiang Cheng confessed, his cheeks faintly flushed in the moonlight. "I find myself unable to stop thinking about you, about us."

Lan Xichen's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure. "Jiang Wanyin, you are a respected cultivator and a leader. Your feelings are valid, and I appreciate your honesty."

Jiang Cheng looked up, meeting Lan Xichen's warm gaze. "Lan Huan, I don't know what this means or where it will lead me in the future, but I can't deny how I feel about you any longer. I am drawn to you like the moon is drawn to the night sky."

A tender smile played on Lan Xichen's lips. "Then let us take this night as the beginning of something beautiful, something we can explore. Together."

In the embrace of the moonlight, their hearts found solace in each other's presence. They shared stories, hopes, and dreams as they strolled along the lotus pond, their fingers almost touching but not quite.

As the night wore on, Jiang Cheng's heart became entwined with the gentleness of Lan Xichen and the beauty of the Cloud Recesses. With each passing moment, they grew closer and their feelings blossoming like the lotus flowers that surrounded them.

Under the watchful eye of the moon, they found themselves seated on a small stone pavilion at the edge of the pond. A serene silence enveloped them as they gazed at the shimmering water.

"I never thought I could find such peace in someone's company," Jiang Cheng confessed softly.

Lan Xichen turned to him, a tender expression gracing his features. "Jiang Wanyin, I too have never felt such a connection before. With you, I feel understood and cherished."

Without any further words, Jiang Cheng leaned closer, and Lan Xichen met him halfway. Their lips brushed against each other like the delicate petals of a flower, their kiss was gentle and hesitant at first but deepening with each passing second.

Their hearts beat in harmony, and their souls intertwined as they surrendered to the newfound love that blossomed between them. The moon bore witness to their affection, illuminating their path as they embarked on a journey of love, understanding, and acceptance.

From that night onwards, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng's love story unfolded like the most enchanting tale ever. They navigated the complexities of their roles as sect leaders and cultivators while cherishing stolen moments in the moonlit lotus pond, where their love took root and flourished.

In each other's arms, they found the strength to face the challenges that life brought their way. Their love, like the lotus flowers that bloomed in the night, remained resilient, defying the darkness and embracing the light.

And so, the serenade of the moonlit lotus echoed through the cultivation world, a testament to the power of love that transcends boundaries and blooms amidst the most unexpected of places.