13 Strangers (1/2)

(A/N: fine. I think the angst is finally here XD)

Jiang Cheng's face is serious, his heart beating fast as he approached the man clad in snow white robe. He's standing on the bridge, gazing at the tranquil mountains that is hugged by the clouds.

The man heard his footsteps and slowly turned to him. He smiled, his usual gentle smile.

”Sect Leader Jiang.” Lan Xichen said.

But, this smile that always saved him in the past just brings pain in his heart now.

”... Sect Leader Lan.” He quietly said as he looked at the bright face of the man before him.

Why...? He thought, remembered what happened last week.

”To Jin Guangyao's grave?” Jiang Cheng said, surprised, after he heard what Wei Wuxian said.

Nobody knew where the sect leader of the GusuLan went for the whole week, not even when he finally came back. The GusuLan Sect completely shut up, never said a word of explanation to the other sects.

The disciples frowned upon hearing Wei Wuxian's news. Why the hell didn't the GusuLan Sect say even just a word? They thought. We could've made the sect leader happier. They thought, tears forming in the corner of their eyes and so they quietly left, feeling bitter.

”Yes.” Wei Wuxian nodded.

Jiang Cheng paused and turned to Wei Wuxian. He knew Wei Wuxian must've heard this information from Lan Wangji.

”If he's just going to Jin Guangyao's grave, then why shouldn't he just inform his sect?” he asked. ”And not even telling this to the other sects...” he added.

To his surprise, Wei Wuxian's face went serious. ”It's because it isn't just 'just'.” he told him.

Jiang Cheng's forehead knotted. ”What do you mean?” he asked.

”ZeWu-Jun was sworn brothers with Jin Guangyao.” Wei Wuxian answered and paused. He's hesitating.

Jiang Cheng's brows raised. ”I know that they're sworn brothers.” He said. ”I'm just wondering why would he – ”

Before he could continue, Wei Wuxian looked around cautiously. Jiang Cheng's brows raised a millimeter high.