The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 12 - Brother's Keep

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Jiang Cheng was walking towards the waterfall at the back of Lotus Pier to watch the young disciples shoot arrows. This is one of the things he enjoyed as a clan leader because it reminds him of his father.

When he reaches under the cliff, it was empty. He looks around and finds a man in dark purple clothing aiming an arrow but not shooting any. Jiang Cheng approaches him and when he's close enough he says in a low voice: "What are you aiming at?"

The man puts the arrow and bow down and turns around to face him. Cheng froze: "F..Father?"

The man smiles sadly and nods. Cheng's eyes start to water in longing and he bows deeply before he says: "Father, I've missed you. Lotus Pier has suffered a great loss with your absence."

Jiang Fengmian looks back at his son and shakes his head: "Your leadership has surpassed mine. Our clan is lucky to have you as a leader."

Cheng heart skips a beat from pride. His father rarely praises him: "Thank you, Father. How is the afterlife? Is mother with you?"

Fengmian: "She has no grievances with you, so she has no reason to visit."

Cheng's smile drops: "Did I do something to warrant your visit?"

Fengmian sighs: ".. Wei Ying."

Cheng looks at his feet in shame. He knows how broken his relationship with his adopted brother is.

Fengmian: "Do you know why I adopted your brother?"

Cheng replied: "You were close friends with his parents."

Fengmian shakes his head and steps closer to his son: "That was not the reason. I made him your brother because without him, you will never see greatness or understand the comfort of brotherhood."

Cheng looks with confused eyes, his father continues: "You take after your mother in belittling him with your words. I was hoping that my kindness towards him would show you how precious he is."

Cheng let's out a bitter laugh and whispers: "Even after death, your only concern is for him."

Fengmian steps closer and grabs his son's collar and shakes him: "YOU UNGRATEFUL FOOL! While he was stronger, all he did was push you to be better and when you became stronger, YOU KILLED HIM! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE JEALOUS!"

Cheng pushes his father away and yells: "WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO? Condemn our clan, our people for a man with misguided morals?"

Fengmian laughs bitterly: "You know nothing of his intentions. I was the one who brought him into our clan, fed him from our harvest, taught him how to fight and protect the innocent. By condemning his deeds, you're condemning MY MORALS!"

Cheng's anger was getting stronger: "HE DIDN'T TELL ME!"

Fengmian yelled back: "FAMILY DOESN'T NEED REASON TO PROTECT ONE ANOTHER! You made fun of his hardship and yet he still lives in constant pain from giving you his golden core! Do you even understand what he did for you? What he did for our clan?"

Without warning, Fengmian put his palm on Cheng's chest. Unspeakable pain bursts from Cheng's core and he opens his mouth in a silent scream. Fengmian takes his hand off and watches his son curl on the ground clutching his chest, writhing in pain.

He sat next to him and whispered: "He suffered through this pain for two nights and a day to give you his core. He was awake the whole time just to save your pride and continue our bloodline of cultivators. He was told it was a fifty percent chance of success and he still risked it. The Wen siblings helped him so it was natural that he would return the favor, that was for you, by saving them."

Cheng sat up, still breathing harshly and clutching his chest: "I cannot change the past. What's done is done."

Fengmian looks at him: "The sacrifice he has made for you came with a price. He's still in physical pain and his body can only withstand so much agony before it starts to fail. Son, you will be the reason for his second death if you don't repay your dues."

Cheng looks at his father with serious eyes: "I don't understand. How do I save him?"

Fengmian takes his son's hand and tells him: "All you need to do is thank him, believe in him with no restraints. His actions might seem wild, but he knows what he's doing. And I would greatly appreciate it if you would stop yelling at him." He laughs at the last statement which earns a chuckle from Cheng.

They both got up and before Fengmian turns around to leave: "I am proud of you my son. You've grown to be a strong leader. Remember, he is special so don't let anyone mistreat your brother again." With one last tap on Cheng's shoulder, Fengmian's image fades away.

Cheng turns around and walks back to his chamber with a clear purpose: 'I'll find you brother.. I will make this right..' 

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