The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 16 - No Envy

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After his short visit to Wuxian ended, Cheng passed by Frost Room to pay his respect to Zewu Jun and thank him for his assistance. After drinking a cup of tea together, Cheng remembered something: "What kind of incense does Hanguang Jun use in the Quiet Room? I cannot get over the pleasant smell from earlier."

Zewu Jun looks confused. He knows for a fact that his brother doesn't fancy strong smells and most of the time refuses anything in his quarters. Zewu Jun asks: "Can you describe it to me?"

Cheng thinks for a while and then says: "I know this might sound insane, but the smell makes me feel like the time when Wuxian, Shijie and I used to play with our young clan members while collecting lotus flowers seeds on boats, sailing at the pier. It's the happiest memory I have from my past."

Zewu Jun smiles warmly and says: "I'm relieved to see your devotion to your brother return."

Cheng frowns: "How is that relevant to my inquiry?"

Zewu Jun explains the story of the Mother Tree's blessing and then confirms: "What you smelled was Wuxian himself, not an incense. The tree promised comfort for those who believe in him without restraint. A word of advice, do not show your blessing in front of Wangji. He will strike you dead without hesitation."

Cheng rolls his eyes: "I'm not scared of him! Wuxian is my brother and I will smell him to my heart's content if I want to."

Jiang Cheng leaves Cloud Recesses with the promise to return and visit Wuxian after he recovers. Meanwhile, Grandmaster Qiren declared that he will be spending time in isolation in the cave under the cold spring for a while and will return when his thoughts are in order.

Wuxian is recovering slowly and honestly enjoying the care he's receiving from his soul bond. He knows that Wangji's undivided attention is the result of him neglecting his duties. So while laying in bed and listening to Wangji play the zither to help his recovery, he stares at him and smiles: "Lan Zhan, you've been sitting with me for days. Your Excellency must have a lot of work waiting to be seen too. I'm fine now, you don't have to coddle me."

Wangji stops playing and moves to lay next to Wuxian and manhandles him into his embrace: "This is for my comfort, not just yours."

Wuxian laughs awkwardly: "The great Hanguang Jun needs cuddles to survive. How shameless."

Wangji ignores him, closes his eyes and takes deep breaths. Wuxian sighs irritably: "Stop it! You've been sniffing me since we got back, with and without people around! It's so embarrassing!"

Wangji replies: "Live with it. I will not hide my happiness for the sake of others."

Wuxian starts pushing Wangji away and says: "What about my sake? I don't want others to think that touching me and sniffing me any time they want is ok!"

Wangji opens his eyes with fury: ".. others?"

Wuxian curses himself internally and tries to change the subject with an awkward laugh: "It's almost noon, don't you have people to meet and letters to reply to?"

Wangji tightens his hold on Wuxian and continues to glare: ".. others?"

Wuxian tried to wiggle his way out of the embrace but he's still too weak to actually get away and sighs in frustration: "Yes others! I didn't do anything to encourage it, I swear. It just happened and I already warned them so no sniffing or touching without your approval. Now calm down before you break my fragile bones!" Wangji just continues to breathe in Wuxians' scent: "I will not hesitate to strike them down. I'm not the sharing type."

Wuxian laughs and just surrenders his fate and replies sarcastically: "I'm shocked. I never knew his Excellency would be so possessive. I will write a warning letter to all the clans as soon as possible to declare your ownership over me!"

Wangji smiles and ignores him in favor of enjoying the comforting embrace. A few minutes in, Wuxian falls asleep. His body is still recovering and he often sleeps and feels dizzy or faint when he gets up or stays awake for too long. Wangji hears Jingyi outside asking for permission to come in. He grants it and gets up to speak with him away from his sleeping soul bond.

Jingyi smiles at the sleeping Wuxian after bowing to Wangji: "Is he still tired?"

Wangji nods.

Jingyi: "Sizhui sent a message stating that he will return soon, accompanied by Wen Ning. He would like to request passage for the Ghost General to stay as a guest at Cloud Recesses. I didn't inform them about what happened to Master Wei or his condition."

Wangji: "Wen Ning is always welcomed in Cloud Recesses as long as Wei Ying will have him. Do not tell them of his condition. I will inform them when they arrive."

Jingyi: "Zewu Jun wants to meet with you when you're available. He said it is not urgent but I wouldn't mind sitting with Master Wei while you're away. His smell oddly gives me joy."

Wangji gets closer to the young disciple and whispers directly into his ear: "You touch him, you die. You smell him too close without his permission, you die. The only reason I haven't striked you dead this instant is because this means you can be trusted with him."

Jingyi swallows hard with fear and nods. Wangji spares him one last threatening stare then walks out of the room to go visit his brother.

Jingyi falls down with numb legs after he hears Wangji leaving the room. He looks back at the sleeping Wuxian and thinks: 'No one will envy you Master Wei.' 

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