The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 18 - Baling Ouyang

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A group of eager disciples are gathered around Cloud Recesses's gate. They've been instructed to fetch the donkey living in the back mountain after they made sure it's fed and ready for the journey ahead. Jingyi was instructed to gather all the herbs and medicines needed, if Wuxian were to relapse, from the healer and he was too scared of Hanguang Jun to mess up this assignment.

They heard Wuxian's laughter before they saw Wangji holding his hand and walking towards the gate. Wen Ning, wearing black and covering his head with a straw hat, was following a few paces behind. They bowed in respect and Wangji led the way towards Baling Ouyang Sect. They took many breaks and rested properly throughout their journey and reached the city gates within five days. Wuxian was talking less and riding Apple more by the time they reached their destination. He internally sighed with relief when he saw the gates. He was ready to drop but was too prideful to admit his weakness.

They were greeted at the gate by Leader Ouyang and his eager son, Zizhen. Zizhen barely finished his bow before he rushed over to Wuxian and started talking up a storm: "Master Wei, I'm happy to see you again. Welcome to my home! I hope you like it here. Did you bring Sizhui with you? Did you lose weight?" Wuxian pats his shoulder with a warm smile: "I knew you would be the sentimental type." Zizhen blushes and ducks his head. Wuxian: "Sizhui didn't come but we brought Jingyi to play with you." Zizhen looks at Jingyi and waves then steps near Wuxian with a confused look: "You smell different."

That simple statement earned him a sharp aim from Bichen to his throat. Wuxian tried to pull Wangji back as people around them started to react in alarm to the threat: "Lan Zhan! We talked about this! It's a blessing, remember? And he's just a kid!"

Wangji sheathed his sword but aimed a burning glare at Zizhen before he bowed slightly to his father to defuse the tension.

Leader Ouyang laughed awkwardly and ushered them to the Passion Room. Wangji kept Wuxian next to him, holding his hand while sipping tea. Zizhen was not fazed by Wangji's threat and sat on Wuxian's other side and demanded his attention while the leaders finished their meal. Wuxian had a soft spot for the young disciples he helped at Coffin City and considers them as his students. He cherished Zizhen and was happy to gain his trust. His father, on the other hand, opposed him on many occasions and he was wary of his intentions. That's why he didn't fight the constant hand-holding and the extra cold gaze in Wangji's eyes.

Leader Ouyang coughed hard to get his son to stop talking, and addressed Wangji: "Your Excellency, thank you for responding to our request. I have arranged a peaceful meeting between the heads of our clan to discuss our dispute in your presence and hopefully get your guidance."

Wangji nodded his head in agreement, so the leader continued hesitantly: "I have to say, even though Zewu Jun mentioned Wei Wuxian's possible visit, I am surprised to see him with you."

Wangji looks at Wuxian and surprises everyone when he smiles warmly: "He will be my soul bond and my judgment won't be complete without his input."

Wuxian covers his face with his free hand and sighs loudly. He whispers to Wangji: "Must you embarrass me everywhere we go with your sentimentality." Wangji whispers back: "I only speak the truth."

Zizhen is looking at them with googly eyes after hearing the whispered conversation between the two soul bonds. Wuxian looks up and addresses the Clan leader: "Thank you for having me in your lovely sect, Leader Ouyang. I promise to not cause any trouble as long as no one crosses me or the people I came with." He couldn't help the evil smile of Yiling Patriarch from slipping out with the subtle threat.