The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 8 - Where We Belong

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As they traveled in silence, Wuxian got bored and started playing his flute while riding Apple. Unlike Wangji, he doesn't have the strength to complete the full walk back home so he was grateful that Apple was with them. They left Apple at Back Mountain with the bunnies and before they entered the Could Recesses gate, Wuxian stopped.

The vision showed to him by the Mother Tree replaying in his head. He was scared of Wangji's uncle. Scared that he won't be able to convince him of his competence. Even after the drama with Meng Yao and the account of how he was framed revealed, he still looked at Wuxian with a distasteful gaze.

Wangji noticed Wuxian hesitating: "Wei Ying?"

At the sound of his name, Wuxain put on a smile and said: "We're finally home."

Wangji was not fooled, something has been weighing down Wuxian since he woke up from meeting the Mother Tree before they left. He didn't want to pester Wuxian about what happened between them, hoping that he would share when he's ready.

It seems whatever it is wasn't pleasant enough to disclose.

On cue, Wangji laces his fingers again with Wuxian and they continue their walk towards the main hall: "We greet uncle and brother then rest."

Wuxian just nods timidly and lets Wangji drag him there.

Luck would have it, Grand Master Lan Qiren and Zewu Jun were both in the Orchid Room having tea. Wangji and Wuxain entered and bowed with respect to both before they joined them. Zewu Jun did not expect to see Wuxian back since they already said their goodbyes while their uncle flat out refused to acknowledge his existence.

Zewu Jun: "Young master Wei, you're back?"

Wangji didn't allow Wuxain time to reply: "He will be my Soul bond."

That statement shocked everyone in the room speechless.

Wuxain's mouth was open in shock, looking at Wangji like he's grown a second head. Zewu Jun closed his eyes and shook his head with silent laughter. Uncle Qiren slammed his hand on the table and yelled: "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?"

Wangji bowed slightly and continued: "He's my Soulmate and I will have no other."

Wuxian never wished for the ground to open up and swallow him as he did at this moment. He was so embarrassed and not ready for this kind of conversation at all.

Uncle Qiren faced Wuxian with fury in his eyes: "What kind of spell have you casted on him!"

Wuxian was speechless. He was really not prepared for this kind of confrontation.

Zewu Jun saw how flustered Wuxian was and said: "Uncle, why don't we listen to their reasoning before we jump to conclusions. Please have some tea, calm down and I'm sure they have a good story to tell."

After everyone calmed down, Wuxian subconsciously moved slightly behind Wangji as if to shelter himself. Wangji took the opportunity of his closeness and took his hand in his to comfort him. The gesture did not go unnoticed by the two older men in the room.

After Uncle Qiren had his cup of tea he demanded: "Speak!"

Wangji looked up: "Grand Master, ever since my mother died I have felt a cold void in my soul that nothing was able to thaw. He is the warmth that I seek. When we left a few days ago, my intentions were to set him free out of respect for his wild nature but I will not survive living in coldness after feeling the sun. He is my second half; wherever he goes, I go."

Zewu Jun was happy to see the determination in his brother's eyes. Looking at Wuxian, he can clearly see how the other man's opposite nature completes his brother. He has long accepted this odd relationship but wasn't expecting his brother to be bold with his declaration. After looking at his uncle, who doesn't look like he's impressed, he decided to chime in: "Uncle, maybe you can take some time to think about it?"

Uncle Qiren aimed his angry eyes at Zewu Jun: "Think about what? He's an egotistical demon with nothing but misfortune in his fate! Why would I ever allow such misery into our clan?"

Wuxian was so embarrassed. He knew that the words said about him were true. He's not a good person. He has committed many sins and he's still paying his dues. Wangji was livid, he saw the look of shame on Wuxian's face and he's barely holding back out of respect for his uncle.

With things heating up, Zewu Jun needed to find a quick solution before things turn into a complete mess: "Uncle, Young Master Wei has many amazing qualities one would desire in their clan. He has accomplished a lot and saved many. He's a good man, pure of heart and as smart as they might come. His only misfortune is the deception of others and his inability to ask for help when he needs it."

Wuxian starts to shake, Wangji can feel his frustration and squeezes the hand he's holding to show his support.

Zewu Jun perceived his uncle's silence as a good sign and continues: "I know it is outdated but we can test Wangji's compatibility with Wuxian. No curse or spell can change the outcome of the Soul Unity test."

Uncle Qiren stares at Zewu Jun: "This method hasn't been used in a long time. Why would you suggest this now?"

Zewu Jun: "Many marriages and soul bonds these days are made out of love or to improve clan relations. No one recently needed to prove a good match by using this test but under these circumstances, I think this will put your mind at ease."

Zewu Jun looks at Wangji for approval and receives a confident nod: "Uncle, it will only take a few minutes to find the truth. No harm in checking what they both claim is true."

Uncle Qiren sighs harshly and nods.

Wuxian was confused. He has never heard of such a test and internally starts to panic. He looks at Wangji and receives a reassuring smile: "Trust me."

Wuxian nods back: "Always."

Zewu Jun bows and steps out for a while. When he returns, he's holding an ancient looking book with torn out pages.

He looks back at the couple and explains: "This book will determine your compatibility, a drop of blood from each will be placed on a side of a page. If the writing on that page turns red, you are incompatible. If it turns green, you're well suited for each other."

With a nod from his Uncle, Zewu Jun steps closer and allows them to do as he instructed.

Wuxian holds his breath out of fear. Love is one thing but forcing compatibility is asking for too much. His shaking gets worse as they wait for the results. Slowly the writings on the page starts to glow, not red or green but bright gold.

Uncle Qiren rushes and yanks the page from Zewu Jun to see up close the golden glow. Both older men are frozen in shock while the younger two freak out with confusion. 

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