Lan Xichen Presents

Chapter 1: Lan Xichen Presents

On the day that Lan Xichen presented Gusu was packed with people. Normally presenting was a fairly personal experience, even amongst the larger sects. While the results were not secret by any means usually the individuals had a chance to adapt to their new societal role before it was made public.

Unfortunately for Lan Xichen, at least in Jiang Cheng's opinion, his presentation occurred on a day that that was meant to be a Gusu run night hunt, so there was little room left for processing the information within the household, before the Lans would have to answer the big question on everyone's minds.

Despite the questionable timing Jiang Cheng was not particularly nervous for the elder twin Jade. Although a lot of experts on the subject warned of the dangers of "guess" diagnosis', everyone did it. Sometimes there would be a surprise like when Xue Yang presented as an Omega and other times the results were boringly obvious like Nie Mingjue becoming an alpha.

To be quite frank Jiang Cheng had been shocked by his own result some time ago. But as far as he was concerned Lan Xichen was the perfect example of a Beta. He got along well with all types of people, didn't have too many overall mood swings, and was neither pushy, nor easily ignored. Perhaps, the Jiang thought to himself, he might even be an alpha, albeit a gentle one.

While slightly more of a stretch than beta it was not impossible, and apparently JC was not the only one to believe so,

"What do you think he'll be? My money's on alpha. Zewu Jun's cultivation is so intense that he barely uses it to keep down property damage, and any time you look over at him he's calm, even if the rest of the room is in an uproar. That kind of steel mentality can only come from the top of the chain."

"I don't know, I'm leaning towards Beta personally. Sure he's strong, but it would be odd for an alpha to be able to share with or listen so well to his Uncle. Plus he's super gentle, I really can't imagine him jumping someone in a heated rage or anything."

"But if you're talking gentle you don't think he could possibly be-"

"No!" The other voice answered scandalized, "aren't those types small, wimpy little things? Who ever heard of such a tall, muscular looking omega? Don't even joke like that, it's too disrespectful. Imagine if Grandmaster Qiren hears you."

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at that, debating whether to stay at Gusu or go home. Due to Wuxian not feeling well both he and Yanli had stayed back already though, so there was no one's opinion to ask on the subject.

The Night Hunt was clearly cancelled for the time being and he felt odd to be standing amongst such disrespectful gossip mongers. It was neither their business, nor his, overall. But another part of him lingered, anticipating and curious, particularly because Lan Xichen was a late bloomer.

In a world of alphas, betas, and omegas not all were equal. Even a month's difference in age usually made those of the same general designation higher or lower in power. The earlier one presented the more common or less likely to present the specific trait's designated to that subgender, the latest were often considered the 'pure breeds' suspected to be the elites of their designation categories.

This is why no one had worried or questioned Lan Xichen up to this point and why it wasn't so shocking that it was only happening now. In the world of A/B/O later was better, unless you were particularly scared about your overall result. JC himself hadn't been happy to present before Wuxian, but he had been relieved by the results at the very least.

After a few minutes of debate in a crowd of nosy people Jiang Cheng decided that if were him he would have been terrified to be surrounded and judged by so many people, particularly for something that was not under his control. He remembered the fear quite well and figured that a few less people might not be a huge improvement, but it was something.

Signaling to the disciples he'd brought with him JC turned around, causing people to move and splitting the crowd before him down the middle. Some Jiang disciples might have been curious themselves, but none verbally said so as they fell into step behind their leader.

Jiang Wanyin moved leisurely yet powerfully like a confident jungle cat as he began to leave, but before he got too far clapping sounded as Lan Huan stepped out into the sun. Everyone's attention turned to him, except for Jiang Cheng and his followers. The crowd held its breath until suddenly Lan Xichen said loudly and clearly,

"I've presented. I am an omega."

Time seemed to stand still and even Jiang Cheng could not keep himself from faltering in his step and turning towards the voice in astonishment. Gasps of surprise sounded from all around him.

And though it wasn't his result, though it shouldn't have bothered him, though it was someone else's fate, Jiang Cheng felt his heart ache.

Lan Xichen stood there, bright and cheerful as usual, face smiling against the whispers and the gasps, and Jiang Cheng thought to himself that the other must have been trying to be brave and felt that there really was no sadder sight.

~

Author's Note:

I debated when to post this story, but decided what better day than my birthday. ^^ Happy Birthday to me. Hope you all enjoy!