The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 35 - Duel

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Jiang Cheng showed up early in the morning to steal his brother for the day. After a few heated comments between him and Wangji, Wuxian broke it off by stating that he misses his brother and would like to spend some time with him to catch up. Wangji was not pleased but didn't want to refuse Wuxian so he sent Wen Ning to accompany them while he took the young disciples.

Cheng had his arm around Wuxian as they walked around Carp Tower, chatting and enjoying the good weather when they ran into the new Jin Clan Leader. They exchanged bows and Ziyang looked at Wuxian: "Treasure Wei, I've never met someone with as many titles as you. You must be thankful that the strict Lan Clan allowed someone with your temperament into their midst." Cheng seethed at him: "What's that supposed to mean?" Wuxian stopped him: "Relax brother, let leader Jin speak his mind." Ziyang: "I didn't mean any disrespect. I was just stating the facts. It takes someone.. special.. to soul-bond with the great Hanguang Jun."

Wuxian smiles at him: "I'm not special. I was the only one who was able to challenge his skills."

Ziyang hums: "How is that logical? You don't even carry a sword."

Wuxian smirks: "I don't need a sword to bring great men to their knees."

Cheng can feel the tension building up between the two men and moves closer to Wuxian: "My brother has many skills. His intelligence alone is enough to match the old and wise. What is the reason behind your skepticism, Clan Leader Jin?"

Ziyang frowns: "I have never seen Treasure Wei in a fight before. All I know about him are over exaggerated tales and hearsay. I was wondering if he would grace us with a demonstration of his skills with one of our senior disciples?"

Wuxian panics a little on the inside. He's still weak from illness and really doesn't want to start a war between Clans when Wangji hears about this challenge.

Cheng replies in irritation: "If you seek a show, then I will duel your disciple on his behalf!"

Ziyang bows to Cheng: "You have proven your worthiness many times over, Jiang Clan Leader. I only wish the privilege of witnessing the greatness of Yilling Patriarch that people can't stop talking about."

Wuxian smirks and gets close enough to whisper: "I will accept your challenge under two conditions: You accept whatever punishment my soul-bond lays on us when he finds out and not fault me when I incapacitate your disciple."

Cheng protests: "No! Wuxian, you can't do this!"

Wuxian glares at him to shut it and looks back at Ziyang who nods his agreement: "Today afternoon at Carp Tower training grounds. I will not invite anyone but whoever shows up can watch. No rules."

Wuxian nods his agreement and drags his brother away. Wen Ning stops them: "You cannot do this Master Wei! You're still ill!"

Wuxian pushes him aside in irritation: "Watch me!"

Wuxian drags his brother all the way to his guest quarters, and the moment they're out of public ears, Cheng starts yelling again: "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

Wuxian huffs: "It's just a duel. Nothing in the rules the Lan Clan Keeper read to me says I cannot have a friendly duel with other clan disciples."

Cheng grabs his shoulders: "THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"

Wuxian pouts: "You promised not to yell at me."

Cheng takes a deep calming breath and leans his head on Wuxian's shoulder whispering: "You are ill. He clearly planned this to humiliate you or hurt you in some way. Why did you fall for his clear deception?"