The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 61 - No Choice

.

After another day off, Wuxian resumed his duties as instructed by Zewu Jun. The older man took his title seriously and planned every visit meticulously to avoid complications before the still unknown timing as to when the procedure will take place.

Zewu Jun took the liberty of requesting the presence of Healer Shi during these sessions so she can examine the ill before being presented to Wuxian. For the less observant, their interaction would look nothing more than professional. But Wuxian is no fool. He sees how his brother leans in when she speaks, how her look lingers when he's not paying her attention or how they both act shyly when they think they're alone. He leans on his hand while sitting on his chair, smirking at the two oblivious love birds. For some reason, he finds himself once again planning another wedding in his head. Maybe he likes weddings more than he wishes to admit.

Suddenly, the world around him starts to change color. He sits up, ready to fight or flee when the whole scene before him shifts completely.

'He's in a village that's bursting with happy occupants. Merchants shouting deals, peddlers running around from one shop to another, mothers sharing afternoon snacks in a tea house while their children are playing outside. A perfect day to a well established community. Wuxian keeps walking. People don't seem to notice his existence. In the middle of the town there is a big well. Decorated with talismans, wish notes, food and coins placed as offerings all around it. Must be a blessed well. He sees a man walking in black clothing, covering his face, approaching the well. Something about this man feels unsettling. The man takes out what appears to be a talisman. Things freeze around Wuxian and he takes the opportunity to move closer to the man. It was not a talisman. The man was holding a black leaf, similar to his golden leaf but burnt to a crisp. The man utters something under his breath, blows on the leaf and tosses it into the well. Wuxian eyes widen when the colors start to fade all around him. People start to disappear one by one until nothing is left but dust and ghosts. The man returns when the deed is done, holding a spirit pouch. He collects what remains and without uttering a single word, leaves.'

"Wei Ying."

Wangji's concerned face was the first thing he saw when the world around him returned to focus. He is still sitting on his chair, blinking at his soul-bond who's kneeling in front of him: "When did you get here?"

Wangji feels that it's safe now to touch Wuxian, so he cups his cheeks and says: "Did you see something?"

Wuxian frowns and nods. His eyes wander around him and sees all the people present kneeling and looking at him with a mixture of shock and wonder. He grabs the hands cupping his face and whispers: "Why is everyone freaking out?"

Wangji: "Your eyes turned fully gold and you were emitting sparks all over the room. When touched by the spark.." Wangji trails off when words fail to explain what he felt.

Wuxian looks worriedly at him: "What? Did I hurt someone?"

Zewu Jun approached them: "It felt magical."

Wuxian stares blankly at his brother: "What's that supposed to mean? Is it a good feeling or a bad feeling?"

Zewu Jun smiles at him: "The most fulfilling feeling I have ever felt."

Wuxian coughs in awkwardness when people keep staring at him with unadulterated admiration: "Um.. how many more people do I have to see for today?"

Lan Ran who snapped out of her daze, stood up and said: "Two more. Healer Shi cleared them. I will go fetch them now."

Wangji stood up and instead of leaving, he stayed by Wuxian's side until he was done. When the last leaf tree withered, he grabbed his soulmate's hand and led him outside, sending his brother a silent request to follow. The news traveled fast. By the time they found Qiren, he already heard of the 'new blessing' that the Divine Oracle has exhibited.