The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 42 - Lotus Pier

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Wuxian was sitting in bed, looking at the ring on his hand and in deep thought. Today, they're starting their journey towards Lotus Pier. The place he called home for most of his life. He cannot shake the feeling of foreboding every time he thinks of that place.

Wangji walks in to finally escort his soul-bond outside: "Wei Ying, are you ready?"

Wuxian puts on a fake smile and nods: "Dressed in white and ready to charm the unexpected people of Lanling City."

Wangji takes his hand and guides him outside: "Why are you sad?"

Wuxian looks down and whispers: "I'm not sad, I'm just tired."

Wangji didn't want to push his soul-bond so he just led him outside and to the main area of Carp Tower. People from all clans are gathered to bid each other farewell. When Wangji and Wuxian appear, they both get a deep bow from everyone and are crowded by many who want to ask about Wuxian's health and wish them good luck.

Ouyang disciples were the most emotional and it took a few minutes to calm them down and drag them away. After the pleasantries were over, Jiang Cheng approached them: "Your Excellency, brother, are you ready to depart?"

Wuxian looks hesitant, so Cheng goes close to take his hand from Wangji: "Come on! It will be fun. I promise."

While they make their way down the stairs together, Wuxian timidly asks Cheng: "Can I ask you for a favor?"

Cheng squeezes his hand and says: "Anything."

Wuxian looks behind him at Wen Ning then pleadingly looks at his brother: "Can he come in with me this time?"

Cheng looks surprised by the question and nods his approval.

Wuxian smiles at him then stops suddenly when he sees the amount of people crowding the end of the stairs: "What's happening down there?"

Cheng laughs and wraps his arm around his brother's shoulders: "You have admirers."

Wuxian looks at him in disbelief: "Who?"

Cheng smirks and says loudly, so Wangji behind them can hear: "You, Wei Wuxian, have admirers. Men who want to touch your graceful hands.. Women who want to confess their undying love.. Mothers who want you to bless their babies.. Old men who.."

He stops teasing when he hears Wangji unsheathing Bichen behind him.

Wuxian looks down at the crowd in fear: "We're supposed to walk through that to get to the gate?"

Wangji steps beside him on the other side: "The disciples will clear a path. Don't worry."

He nods to the youth behind them and with a bow they rush to make a path as ordered.

Wuxian was able to pass with his soul-bond and brother. People were shouting good things at him like gratitude and admiration. He's never been received with such positive attention before and it was baffling to him. It took a lot of time to reach the gate than they anticipated but for Wuxian, it meant a big deal. It made him happy that for once, he left a place on good terms without being chased or cursed.

The journey took 3 days, which he spent most of it sleeping or having light conversation with each young disciple that was watching him at the time. The only one who hasn't sat with him in his carriage was Jin Ling and it made him sad a little that the young man was avoiding him.

They reached a dock, where they would have to ride boats to reach the pier and Wuxian got out of the carriage to ride with one of the Lan Clan boats. He looked sadly at his brother before he got on and sat next to Wangji, holding his hand. His anxiety was starting to show and Wangji entwined his fingers with his and whispered to him: "All will be well, my soulmate. Calm your heart."