The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 10 - Brother-in-Bond

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A few days have passed since the confrontation in the Orchid Room. Wuxian acted like normal after waking up from his stressful ordeal. Thankfully, he didn't freak out finding Wangji laying beside him. Since then, Wangji silently lays down next to him each night and Wuxian never denied him the comfort of his scent.

Being the leader of Lan Clan as well as the new Excellency, Wangji was busy most of the day. Wuxian would accompany him to the main hall and when he got bored, he'd go visit the bunnies and Apple or watch the junior disciples practice. He kept a quiet existence and avoided the grand master at all costs. He visited Zewu Jun when he was free and they talked about everything but the soul bond.

Wuxian knew that this cannot keep on going if he plans to call this place home. Leaving with or without Wangji is not an option. He might be many things but a coward, he is not. The only motivation he had was Sizhui is currently with Wen Ning visiting Qishan and won't be back for a while. He needs to fix this before he sees Sizhui's face and loses it.

Laying on his back between the bunnies in Back Mountain, basking under the warm sun, he ponders his options. He cannot wait for fate to run its course because he knows the misfortune it has in store. The only solution is to do something drastic to change it. But what could that be?

Wuxian was deep in thoughts:

'The vision clearly shows Grand Master Qiren as the cause of my death, directly or indirectly. The Mother Tree said that I have to soothe his sorrow to gain his favor. I know nothing about him other than the strict demeanor he shows his disciples. Maybe I should spend some time with him to understand him better? No no no.. he wishes me dead, I cannot risk annoying him more than I already do. I could ask Wangji.. No.. He's got so much on his plate. I don't want to be a nuisance. Zewu Jun! I can ask him for help!'

With a target in mind, Wuxian jumps up and rushes to the Orchid Room. He calls out his arrival and with permission rushes in, bows and enthusiastically plops down in front of Zewu Jun. Zewu Jun couldn't hide his amused smile at Wuxian's childish acts: "How have you been Young Master Wei?"

Wuxian shakes his head: "You can call me Wuxian or dede. I'm not fond of strict rules and formality."

Zewu Jun: "Alright. Wuxian it is. You can call me Xichen or brother since we're about to be brothers-in-bond."

Wuxian lets out a happy laugh: "I've never had an older brother. I look forward to your guidance." He bows a little.

Zewu Jun smiles back: "I sense you have something to ask me?"

Wuxian scratches his head in embarrassment and says: "Can you tell me more about Grand Master Qiren? You said he was a reasonable man and I want to know how I can gain his favor."

Zewu Jun frowns at his statement: "Wuxian, you've never shown interest in people's opinions of you before. Why are you trying so hard to please my uncle? His approval, although preferable, is not necessary to complete your union."

With an awkward laugh, Wuxian replies: "It will make Hanguang Jun happy?"

Zewu Jun just stared back at him, knowing full well that that was a lie. Wuxian sighs and looks down: "If I tell you the reason, can we not let Lan Zhan in on it? I don't want to worry him please."

Zewu Jun nods, so Wuxian proceeded to tell him about the vision he saw and what the Mother Tree advised him to do.

Zewu Jun leans on his hand thinking: "If uncle doesn't approve of you.. he will be the cause of your death?"

Wuxian nods.

Zewu Jun: "Then why don't you just leave. It will surely guarantee your safety."

Wuxian: "I don't care about my safety. I have died before and I'm not scared to die again. I don't want to hurt Lan Zhan by leaving or dying."

A warm feeling washed over Zewu Jun. This man's devotion to his brother is pure to the point of insanity: "Tell me again, what did the Mother Tree say exactly?"

Wuxian: "She said: Divine one, your fate is not set in stone. The greatest anyone can offer in any relationship is empathy. Soothe his sorrows as you've done to me and he will forever be in your favor."

Zewu Jun: "She called you 'Divine one'?"

Wuxian: "I'm not sure why. I thought it was odd but I didn't question it."

Zewu Jun: "Hm.. Relationship. Empathy. Sorrow. Favor."

Wuxian: "That's why I came to you. I don't know Grand Master Qiren well enough to feel empathy towards his sorrows."

Zewu Jun: "I cannot think of anything that would require soothing or can allow you to gain his favor. May I have some time to think this through?"

Wuxian laughs awkwardly: "There is no rush! As long as Sizhui is not here, we still have time."

Zewu Jun: "We shall meet again tomorrow then."

Wuxian bows and takes his leave.

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