The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 34 - The New Jin Clan Leader

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Jin Ling was sitting behind his uncle in the Glamour Hall, eating his food in silence. All the clan leaders are present except Gusu Lan Clan. They were late and for once Ling was glad. He still felt awkward about Wei Wuxian. That in turn created tension between him and his uncle, Jiang Cheng. They've been fighting ever since they left Cloud Recesses. They're currently at the 'silent treatment' phase where his uncle ignores him or glares at him silently. He doesn't know what to do anymore. He can't wait for this conference to be over so he can return to his drama-free life.

Meanwhile, the carriage carrying Wuxian stopped at the gate of Lanling city. They would have to dismount and walk to Carp Tower to be announced. Wuxian was sleeping when Wangji entered to retrieve his soul-bond. Wangji loathed the fact that he had to wake up Wuxian from his healing slumber but they were already a few days late. Wangji cubed Wuxian's cheek and gently stroked it. Wuxian blinks tired eyes awake and whispers: "Did we reach the city?" Wangji smiles down at him and nods: "Do you wish to rest some more?"

Wuxian knew they were late, and honestly every second he gets closer to that place makes him more anxious. But he shakes his head and lets Wangji help him out of the carriage. He grabs Wangji's arm for a few seconds when he gets dizzy. When he feels the spell pass, Wangji holds his hand and they're followed closely by Wen Ning and the disciples, making their way towards the grand stairs.

People in town would stop and gossip about how beautiful the man in white looked. Wuxian sees the annoyed look on Wangji and smirks: "Everywhere we go, people comment about your looks. Should I be jealous?"

Jingyi, walking behind them, says loudly: "I don't think they're talking about Hanguang Jun."

Wuxian turns around and smiles: "Then it has to be one of my gorgeous kids!"

They all blush, shaking their heads. Jingyi smirks when a young maiden steps out and hands Wuxian a flower. Wuxian was surprised and was about to thank her when Wangji yanks it from his hand and returns it: "Young maiden, he is my soul-bond. We cannot accept this." The young lady bows apologetically and rushes away in embarrassment.

Wuxian, who was still in shock, whispers: "What just happened?"

Jingyi: "I think you just had your answer as to whom the town women are gushing over."

Wuxian turns around and shouts: "WHAT?"

The disciples tried hard to hide the snickering until Wuxian turned to a furious Wangji and asked: "Are they blind? You are definitely more handsome than me!"

He can hear Wangji muttering angrily to himself: ".. last time you wear white in public."

Wuxian laughs awkwardly and ducks his head to hide his blush until they reach the grand stairs at the bottom of Carp Tower. He looks up, swallowing hard. Wangji squeezes his hand in comfort: "Ready?" Wuxian let out an anxious laugh: "Last time I was here, my nephew tried to kill me."

A man announces their arrival: "Lan Clan of Gusu, please enter!"

Wangji ascends the stairs, holding Wuxian's hand. The Treasure of Lan Clan was wearing a long dragging white robe, embroidered with silver clouds and small white jade beads. His hair was brushed neatly and the white jade ornament holding his hair was glowing under the sun, creating a halo around his pale face. The cultivators standing outside were having a hard time not to stare at him in awe.

They entered the Glamour Hall to find all the other leaders present and already mingling. They all stopped to bow their respect to his Excellency and rushed over to greet him. Wuxian was overwhelmed and stepped slightly behind Wangji, who saw the slight movement and handed Wuxian's hand to Wen Ning with a silent 'take him to a less crowded place' look. Wen Ning and the young disciples guided Wuxian to a table at the right side of the hall and made sure he sat down undisturbed and had something to eat and drink.