The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 30 - New Faces, New Names

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Wuxian got used to waking up early. He tried to convince himself that it's because he was a light sleeper but everyone knows that he sleeps like a log. The real reason is that he enjoys the few hours of alone time with his soul-bond. Wangji is normally out all day and returns an hour before bed time. If Wuxian wanted to spend time with him he would have to sit next to him in silence or help him with whatever task he had to do at the time. It was boring. Waking up early was the least he can do to enjoy his soulmate's undivided attention.

Wangji never questioned his change of habits. If anything, it seems to make him happier. He would get up first, wash up and get dressed as Wuxian stretches lazily in bed. He would then tend to his soulmate by brushing his hair and gently dressing him. He would embrace Wuxian when he's done and get his fill from his comforting smell.

Wuxian would normally protest such delicate treatment but he cannot deny how good it feels to be cared for without asking for it. During the 'hug phase' of their morning ritual, Wuxian got the courage to ask: "Why do you do this?"

Wangji: "Do what?"

Wuxian: ".. this."

Wangji buries his nose under Wuxian's ear: "Because I can."

Wuxian chuckles: "I didn't know you had a sense of humor."

Wangji tensed but didn't let go: "I wasn't joking."

Wuxian frowns: "I know that you're possessive and have jealousy issues but this is beyond that. Can you tell me why?"

Breakfast was brought in, Wangji didn't reply until he was done eating. He took a deep breath and took Wuxian's hand in his: "When you left me for 16 years, I was alive but not living. I regretted not knowing how soft your hair was. I regretted not remembering how you smell. I regretted not kissing you, not touching your skin, not making you feel wanted or needed. You willingly jumped.. You looked into my eyes and still chose death over staying with me. And even after you came back, you still tried to run away and questioned my loyalty."

He saw Wuxian was ready to protest, so he cut him off: "I know that's in the past. There is no room for doubt between us anymore. It's just.. this brings me joy; seeing you, touching you, tending to your needs and making sure you know that I want you."

Wuxian squeezes his hand and smiles: "I might get used to it and turn spoiled."

Wangji kisses the hand in his: "Anything for you."

Wuxian sighs dramatically: "So this is how fair maidens feel when they're doted on."

Wangji laughs: "I'm the one doing the hard work. If anything, I should feel like a wife pampering her husband."

Wuxian laughs hard and gets close to brush his lips with Wangji and whispers: "Thank you for making me feel special." Wangji whispers back: "Thank you for letting me."

Their day was off to a good start. Wuxian felt like it cannot get any better.. until he was instructed to go meet the master of disciples: Lan Gao. If he thought that Wangji was the most uptight person alive when they first met, he was mistaken. Master Gao, a short middle aged man with the sharpest look Wuxian has ever seen, commanded all the disciples in Lan Clan. Wuxian was introduced to him during the Treasure Ceremony and the man has shown nothing but respect and loyalty ever since. Wuxian was confused, how could a man that doesn't know him show such devotion?

When Wuxian arrived at the Dormitory to meet Master Gao as requested, he was surprised when the man bowed first and kissed his ring bearing hand. Wuxain will never get over how awkward that is.

Master Gao offered him some tea before he got down to business: "Treasure Wei, I was tasked with making sure that the disciples who are going to be your companions and students are vetted and ready to serve you."

Wuxian frowned: "Serve me?"

Master Gao: "Yes, serve you. Even though they will be your disciples, they are Lan Clan members and as their Treasure, they must make sure that you're safe and well cared for to fulfill your sacred duties."

Wuxian laughs awkwardly: "I can take care of myself just fine."

Master Gao glares at him: "You are not alone. You represent a whole Clan, one of the most influential of all Clans. We have enemies and now your status makes you a target to bring us down. We will not allow that to happen!"

Wuxian rubs the back of his head in embarrassment and nods.

Master Gao continues: "Now.. I had a long list of applicants who wanted to be your disciples and study under you. But the Grandmaster will only allow 5, including your adopted son and Jingyi, to join you at the moment. He doesn't want to overwhelm you with your health issues."

Wuxian nods in understanding.

Master Gao: "I have trained these boys myself. I have faith that they will serve you with loyalty."

Wuxian was guided out into the training grounds to meet them.

He smiled at his son and Jingyi then turned his attention to the other three boys. The first stepped up and bowed deeply: "Treasure Wei, my name is Lan Taiho. I've lived 16 suns cycles and am the grandson of Keeper Daozi. I will serve you until my last breath with nothing but loyalty and respect. I look forward to your guidance." Taiho was a medium built man, with a scar on his left cheek. Wuxian noticed how serious he looked: "I look forward to getting to know you, young master Taiho."

The second disciple, a fit man with the same height as Wuxian and seems to be bursting with energy, steps up: "Treasure Wei, my name is Lan Kaoji. I am 14 and I'm a big fan of your work!" He bowed so fast and low, Wuxian let out a sudden chuckle: "You got me a hot-blooded one! Young master Kaoji, I look forward to having adventures together." He looked at Jingyi and mouthed teasingly: 'New favorite.'

Jingyi glared daggers at Kaoji who was looking at Wuxian with sparkling eyes.

The last disciple, a tall giant man with gentle eyes, steps up and bows. His voice was deep but low: "Treasure Wei, my name is Lan Bhao, I am 15. I vow to protect thee willingly and until I am unable." Wuxian frowns and looks at Master Gao: "Did he say 15?"

Master Gao: "Don't be fooled by his.. size. He's gentle, sweet and cannot hurt a fly unless provoked." Wuxian moves closer to see how tall this boy is. He gets really close and looks up: "Woah.." His shoulder is where Wuxian's head ends.

Wuxian smiles widely at him, which earns a deep blush from Bhao, and places his hand on his chest: "I like this one. He will be fun to spar with."

Bhao almost faints from how red he is, so Wuxian takes pity on him and moves back to take a look at his new bunch of followers: "Young masters, I am not a big fan of formalities. I will call you by your names and you can call me Wuxian or if you're shy just Master Wei. I am glad that you're chosen to be my companions and disciples and look forward to experiencing new things in your company."

Jingyi speaks up: "Try to not get us into trouble and we will be fine."

Sizhui elbows him and Wuxian laughs: "What is life if not a series of happy accidents." Jingyi pouts: "Happy accidents don't happen everyday! You do it on purpose."

Master Gao points at him in anger: "YOU! How dare you speak to our Treasure that way!"

Wuxian laughs and says: "Let him speak his truth around me. I'm fond of his sass."

Jingyi smiles genuinely until Wuxian playfully strokes his chin and says: "Unless... I can switch him out for someone better? Master Gao, can you show me the list of candidates?"

Jingyi panics: "No! You cannot do that! I applied first!"

Wuxian laughs at him and gets closer to pat his shoulder and whispers: "Never change."

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