The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 22 - The Treasure of Gusu Lan

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Grandmaster Qiren has been isolated for almost two weeks when he finally decides to leave the cave at the bottom of the Cold Spring. He was not hiding away or meditating as most thought he was. He had a plan and needed time to execute his next move. With great effort, he was able to create something that will aid him in paving the future for his clan.

He visited Zewu Jun at first to get an update of what's been happening and was told about Wangji and Wuxian's trip to Ouyang Clan Sect. He was impressed with the unorthodox method they used to pick the second leader: "Wuxian sure comes up with the most bizarre ways to solve the toughest of problems." Zewu Jun smiles: "I was right in calling him 'as sharp as they come' when I defended him earlier." Qiren nodded and they sat in silence for a while.

A disciple walks in to inform them that Wangji is in a meeting but will join them once he's done. Qiren asked about Wuxian and the disciple averted his gaze acting uncomfortable. Qiren glares at him sternly and barks: "Speak!" The disciple looks down and replies: "Grand Master, he's been waiting outside to meet Zewu Jun but didn't wish to disturb your conversation." Qiren gets up and looks outside. He finds Wuxian laying on the steps, chewing on Chengquin's tassel and looking at the clouds. He doesn't notice Qiren at first, until he feels a shadow blocking the sun ray.

When he recognizes the Grandmaster, he jumps and bows: "Grand Master, welcome back. I.. I.. I hope you meditated well?" He stutters. Qiren just looks at him up and down, assessing his condition then walks away demanding: "Follow me."

Wuxian throws a worried look at Zewu Jun who followed his uncle when he left his room and gave Wuxian an encouraging nod. Wuxian swallows hard and rushes to catch up with Qiren.

The Grand Master takes Wuxian to the Cold Spring and sits on a rock at the edge. He gestures for Wuxian to sit next to him then returns to gaze at the water as it flows freely. After a few minutes of silence, filled with nervous twitching, Wuxian couldn't take it anymore and whispers timidly: "Grand Master, I hope my past didn't offend you."

Qiren looks at him and says: "'In this world, everyone has their own things to do, their own paths to walk. Who cares about the crowded, broad avenue? I'll stick to my single-log bridge until it's dark.' Do you remember saying that?"

Wuxian scratches his head and nods: "I said that to Ayoun when he asked if Lan Zhan was visiting the Burial Mound again. I failed to heed Zewu Jun's advice about getting others hurt because of my actions which resulted in the scars on Lan Zhan's back."

Qiren shakes his head: "That is not for you to decide. Wangji has made his feeling about you clear since the beginning. I was the one who failed to see his emotions and listen to reason."

Qiren looks back at the spring: "Our clan was built by those who seek a solid structure in a world filled with moving stones. I am aware that the rules we set cannot be followed without some type of leniency. I was quick to judge you based on your wild temperament and for that I am truly sorry."

He looks back at a shocked Wuxian and holds his hand: "You are a hard character to accept and I am grateful that you allowed me to see your truth even though the thought of your misfortune brings me grief more than comfort. For a young soul, your life is filled with hardship and I do not wish to be part of what makes it hard." He pats the hand in his and continues: "I have lived a long life and throughout the years, I never met anyone that speaks his truth as loudly as you." A single tear drops from Qiren's eye: "I have not seen my mother for many years and I have missed her like nothing else. She was ambitious, just like you, and when she failed to refine the Yin Iron Amulet, you were able to succeed. Through the Soul Empathy I was able to see her again at her final moments and for that I will eternally be indebted to you."