The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 36 - First Fight

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Wuxian was once again looking at himself in the mirror, cursing the day he agreed to wear whatever this is supposed to be. Keeper Daozi spared no expense when it came to showing him off. Wuxian knew he was good looking but this is ridiculous. The extra flowy fabric tail at the back, over the top silver embroidery and to make things worse, Wangji decided to pay extra attention in styling his hair with jade beaded braids. Wangji looked super proud of the work he's done, staring at his soul-bond with a star struck eyes.

Wuxian turns around and frowns at his soulmate: "You're still mad at me, aren't you? This is punishment for the duel!"

Wangji looks confused: "You don't like it?"

Wuxian sighs in irritation: "I. Am. Not. A. Girl. Why do I have jewelry in my hair? Why do I have so many layers of fabric hanging off?"

Wangji blinks at him and with a straight face replies: "Because I like showing you off."

Wuxian closes his eyes and groans: "You say this now, and when people start gazing and commenting you go crazy with jealousy!"

Wangji smiles and takes his hand: "Let's go."

Wuxian whines: "If anyone calls me beautiful I will start maiming people!"

Lan Clan arrived at the assembly and from the moment Wangji entered with Wuxian, people were staring, gossiping and moving out of their way. Wuxian looked around in confusion: "Lan Zhan, did I miss something?"

Wangji: "Duel." Wuxian sighs: "Right. I forgot how much people like to gossip." Ziyang entered with his wife and did not look very pleased: "Fellow cultivators, Ouyang Clan Leader proposed we prepare a crowd night hunt for our disciples the day before the end of this conference. I have decided to accept his request." People started cheering. Ziyang looks angrily at Wuxian: "However.. this hunt will be somewhat different: I would like to invite the Clan Leaders to join other clan disciples.. as a learning experience."

Wangji was starting to sense the hostility towards his soulmate who was currently playing with his food in boredom. It seems like Ziyang's attempt to provoke him is not working at all.

Ziyang puts on a fake smile and continues: "Since I cannot join the hunt as a host, I would like to invite Treasure Wei to join on my behalf to lead one of the other clan disciples. He has impressed me with his skills earlier today and I'm sure the disciples can learn a great deal from him."

Wangji tenses and looks at Wuxian, who was not listening at all: "What?"

Wangji whispers: "He wants you to join the hunt as a substitute leader."

Wuxian looks in boredom at the crowd awaiting his reply and shrugs: "Sure. Why not?"

Ziyang claps his hand in joy and toasts the clans before moving on to discuss other matters.

After the announcements are over, Ziyang makes his way towards Wangji's table with a jar of wine. He bows and offers Wangji a drink, which as always, Wuxian accepts on his behalf. After the second cup, Ziyang looks at Wuxian: "Treasure Wei, you left in a hurry today. I didn't get the chance to congratulate you on your victory." Wuxain shakes his head: "Thank you for the duel. It was very.. informative." Ziyang nods: "Indeed."

Later that night, Wangji sat next to Wuxian while he drank his night potion and voiced his concern: "Wei Ying, I don't feel comfortable about the upcoming night hunt."

Wuxian: "Why?"

Wangji: "Jin Leader has ulterior motives."

Wuxian chuckles: "I've fought the disciples from Jin Clan today. Believe me, there is nothing to worry about."