The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 23 - New Title, New Job

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Wuxian should've known that with the new title many things would change. He was measured to the last finger and fitted into a new wardrobe that according to Master Lan Daozi, Cloud Recesses's keeper, fits better with his new title. He kept his foot down about the white robes and they settled with dark blue, almost black, robes with white undergarments. He was also forced to wear a head ornament that was close to the one Wangji wears, but smaller and made from white Jade. Wuxian looked at himself in the mirror: "This is too extravagant for my taste. Doesn't the Lan Clan 4,500 rules state that one shouldn't wear expensive jewelry or something?"

Master Daozi replies flatly: "This is a status piece not jewelry. Now stand still so I can fit the waist band to your comfort." Wuxian groans: "Nothing about this is comfortable." Wangji enters the room and smiles at what he sees: "Don't give Keeper Daozi trouble." Wuxian glares at him through the mirror: "You're used to this. I'm not!" Keeper Daozi pulls the belt around his waist more and complains: "You need to eat more." Wuxian sighs and points at Wangji: "He feeds me like I'm a chicken that's about to be slaughtered. It's not making any difference!" Both Wangji and Keeper Daozi frowned at the vulgar imagery.

When Keeper Daozi finishes his ministrations and excuses himself, Wangji approaches Wuxian who's still looking at his reflection in the mirror. He places his hands on Wuxian's shoulders: "You look like a treasure indeed." Wuxian huffs: "I look like an oversized ornament." Wangji slides his hands to circle them around the smaller man's waist: "Change is hard. If you don't like these robes I will ask Keeper Daozi to find you another after the banquet."

Wuxian felt embarrassed. The keeper worked non stop for the last day to make these items for him and his ungrateful tone must have sounded like he's spoiled: "No. I'm sorry. I will show my appreciation to Keeper Daozi during the banquet. He must've worked hard to make these in such a short amount of time." Wangji smiles appreciatively and kisses the skin under his ear: "Are you ready?" Wuxian laughs: "Do I have a choice?"

Wangji left first and instructed Sizhui and Jingyi to escort Wuxian to the banquet. He's to be announced for the first time and make an entrance to take his oath. All present clan members must pay their respect to him and he was not looking forward to this type of attention.

Grandmaster Qiren started his toast when all clan members were present: "Brother and sisters, your Excellency, I am here today to tell you a story that started years ago and led to this joyous occasion.." He told them about the cave under the Cold Spring, about the events that led to condemning Wei Wuxian, his struggle to prove his innocence.. all the events up to the Soul Empathy and the future soul bond ceremony. He finally told them the story about his mother and her guqin and how he refined it to fit its new master. He addressed his clan members: "Gusu was burned once and from those ashes, we rebuilt a new sanctuary for all. Our most sacred instrument has chosen a new master, and as its guardians and rightful owners, we must respect our ancestors' choice and accept this master as our most valued treasure. He will be the change that will help us ascend. Please pay your respects to our Gusu Lan Clan Treasure and the Master of the White Jade: Treasure Wei Wuxian."

Walking with his head held high, flanked by his favorite disciples, Wuxian entered the main hall and with grace bowed to the grand master, to his future soul bond, his brother then turned around and bowed to his new clan. Qiren stepped: "Treasure Wei, what is your oath?" Wuxian kneeled in front of him and smiles: "I, Treasure Wei of Gusu Lan Sect, promise to always stand with justice and live with no regrets. To comfort the weak and aid the helpless with the help of my new family. I will share my knowledge and blessings while protecting the Lan Clan name and the pride of all cutivators alike." Qiren smiles down at him and holds his hand to help him stand. He kisses the White Jade ring and turns him around to introduce him to his new clan members.

Wuxian felt like he met all humans alive by the end of the introduction portion of the banquet and can hear Jingyi snoring somewhere behind him. Gusu Lan Clan are the worst at planning parties, everything they do feels like a funeral. Don't get him wrong, he has never met nicer and more welcoming people than the Lan Clan members but this is beyond boring. When he was finally allowed to sit next to Wangji he slumped down and complained: "Does this mean I have to eat vegetables for the rest of my life?" Wangji kept a straight face: "No slouching." Wuxian sits up right and huffs: "Can I go outside later with Wen Ning and eat meat in Gusu City?" Wangji ignores him which makes Wuxian whine: "Lan Zhan! This is boring! You cannot have a banquet without meat and liquor."

Zewu Jun chose that moment to join them and smiled at his new brother: "Brother Wei shouldn't leave Cloud Recesses without protection. You are now considered our most prized possession and unfortunately our clan has many enemies." Wuxian looks seriously at Xichan: "I'm not that delicate. I can take you and Lan Zhan down in a fight if I want to."

Xichan smiles: "That's not what I meant, Treasure Wei. I just ask that you keep a company with you when you leave to protect your stature and insure your safety. We all travel in groups to help one another."

Wangji grabs Wuxian's arm and looks at him: "I will accompany you after the banquet."

Wuxian hangs his head and sighs: "No. It's fine. It's not that important. You and the other clan members probably have more important things to do than escort me for food and wine."

A few tables over, Grand Master Qiren hears the conversation and frowns. He looks at Wen Ning, who's trying to mingle despite his introverted personality, and with a nod asks for his attention. Wen Ning bows to the grand master and after a short conversation, leaves the banquet early. Sizhui and Jingyi keep Wuxian entertained for the rest of the evening and by 7 the banquet ends and everyone leaves. Wuxian was on his way out, holding Wangji's hand when Qiren asked Wangji to leave first and let Wuxian stay for a talk.

Wuxian waits for Wangji to leave before looking back at Qiren: "Father, did I do something wrong?" Qiren smiles at being called 'father' then shakes his head and heads out the door: "Follow me."

He leads Wuxian to the Shadow Bamboo Pavilion, where Wangji's mother used to be imprisoned, and stops at the garden beyond the gates. Wuxian feels a cold grip restricting his heart and whispers in fear: "Are you planning to lock me in here?" Qiren looks horrified and quickly grabs Wuxian's hand: "Never son! Never!" When he sees Wuxian's trustful eyes he says: "Xichen has told you the story behind this place but he never told you that this place has been declared as an exiled territory. The rules of Cloud Recesses doesn't apply the moment you cross that gate."

He sits down on the steps and motions for Wuxian to set next to him. A few minutes pass and they see Wen Ning coming through the gate, clearly hiding stuff under his garments. After bowing and receiving a nod from Qiren, Wen Ning takes out a bowl of meat and rice and two jars of Emperor's Smile. Wuxian's eyes light up with glee. Qiren smiles: "Eat and drink whatever you want in here. It will not be considered against the rules. I only ask that you follow Xichen's request in allowing company when you leave Cloud Recesses."

Wuxian jumps in front of Wen Ning and yanks the things from his hands and hugs them close before bowing to Qiren: "YOU'RE THE BEST!" Qiren laughs at his antics and leaves Wuxian in Wen Ning's care, happy that his new son is content. Before he steps out he turns around and says: "Don't over do it. You have new responsibilities as the Treasure of Lan Clan which I will discuss with you tomorrow afternoon." Wuxian nods with a mouth full of food. He cannot wait to hear what his future, as Treasure Wei, has in store for him.

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