The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 68 - Hostage

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Zewu Jun never knew that his patience had a limit. He was always capable of containing his emotions and dealing with whatever comes his way with reason. But at the moment, he's a few seconds away from jumping across the table between them and strangling the pompous jackass before him.

A few days ago, he received a letter requesting admission into Cloud Recesses from Shenhua Clan's First Master: Shenhua Kai. Zewu Jun recognized the name and respectfully declined his request. The man was nothing less than persistent. He came the next day and the day after, sending letter after letter demanding entry into Cloud Recesses. Grandmaster Qiren refused each time so Zewu Jun went outside the gate to hear the man's reason behind his visit.

Shenhua Kai was a tall man with a strong build. One would describe him as ruggedly handsome with a sharp jawline and well defined muscles. What's unsettling about him is his emotionless gaze. In fact, all Shenhua clansmen shared this stoic, expressionless demeanor. From the information provided by Jiang Cheng, Shenhua cultivators prefer spears and daggers over swords. Kai was carrying a marble spear with a golden tip, a first-class weapon named Feng.

They met at a tea house in Gusu city and after exchanging pleasantries, Zewu Jun asked: "First Master Shenhua, why are you here?"

Kai: "We request an audience with the Divine Oracle."

Zewu Jun frowns at the flat response: "May I ask why?"

Kai: "It does not concern you."

Zewu Jun: "I am his brother-in-bond and consultant. Whatever business you have with Wei Wuxian very well concerns me."

Kai assesses Zewu Jun for a few seconds then replies: "Arrange a meeting and I will consider your presence during our talks."

Zewu Jun takes a deep breath to quell his frustration: "First Master Shenhua, you seem to have the wrong impression. I do not serve under your pleasure. Grandmaster Qiren made it adamant that you and your clan, under no circumstances, will be allowed near our Treasure. Unless you give me a reasonable excuse as to why I should present your case for consideration, this meeting will be considered a waste of my time."

Kai sips his tea then stands up: "You have no right to monopolize the Divine Oracle. We will meet him with or without your permission."

Zewu Jun closes his eyes and gets in the last word before Kai is out of earshot: "Be careful who you threaten. The ignorant always mistakes peace with weakness."

Zewu Jun sent senior disciples to keep an eye on him and his followers.

The next day, things escalated. Shenhua Kai showed up at Cloud Recesses gate a few hours after Grandmaster Qiren left with Wuxian's disciples. He didn't ask for permission this time. He settled for deactivating the wards surrounding the gate and waiting at the door. Zewu Jun showed up with Lan Ran and an army of disciples hoping to negotiate a peaceful solution or defend their home should things escalate. He stood at the door, staring at the man for a few minutes in silence.

Zewu Jun: "I do not understand your intentions. Breaking our wards is an act of aggression, yet you stand here waiting for me to invite you in."

Kai: "I was raised to respect other's homes and I refuse to leave without speaking to the Oracle. Drastic measures is the next logical step."

Zewu Jun frowns at him: "Drastic measures?"

Kai: "I will complete my mission by any means necessary."

Lan Ran whispers to Zewu Jun: "I recommend you invite him in before a fight starts and many get hurt."

Zewu Jun: "Where is Wangji?"