The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 70 - Time

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The second healing session was pain-free. Wuxian didn't feel anything other than fatigue. This time however, his body showed more weakness than he would've appreciated. It was downright humiliating when your soul-bond has to feed you because your hands are too shaky to hold your own chopsticks. Wangji showed nothing but support and made sure Wuxian had everything he needed before he asked.

After Wuxian had a good night's sleep, his body felt better. Not normal.. but better. He was allowed light duties for the next few days. He was sitting with Lan Ran who was giving him an update of what he's missed the last two days: "Zewu Jun informed me that Clan Leader Nie replied to our message. According to him there is only one blessed well in his sect."

She took out a map and showed him the location: "Here. In Luxia City. It's a trading city that's well known for its food and wine. Clan Leader Nie agreed to meet us there in 9 days to help investigate your vision and hopefully stop it from happening."

Wuxian nods so she continues: "Zewu Jun has been planning your trip with the help of Healer Shi. You're set to leave after the next healing session. The trip will take a week by horse."

Wuxian: "My kids?"

Lan Ran smiles at him: "Grandmaster Qiren will arrive with your disciples tomorrow. They've completed their task successfully."

Lan Ran looks at Wuxian who's showing clear signs of depression. Since they met this morning, he hasn't said much and hasn't finished the extra meal she brought him a few hours ago. It's part of her job to make sure he's well enough to perform his duties. Lan Ran steps closer to Wuxian and says in a low voice: "Treasure Wei, would you like to take a walk with me?"

Wuxian looks surprised by her request: "Are we expected somewhere else?"

Ran smile warmly at him: "No. I just thought a change of scenery wouldn't hurt."

Wuxian nods and follows her out of the Treasure Room. They walked in silence for a few minutes then Ran asked: "Do you consider me as a friend?"

Wuxian nods: "You basically run my life for me. I wouldn't let anyone do that."

Ran: "So.. I may speak freely?"

Wuxian chuckles: "Lan Ran, you are older than me. You may call me by my name and speak your mind."

Ran: "Alright then. As your senior, I have more life experience than you, especially in dealing with problems. That is after all my specialty."

Wuxian: ".. and?"

Ran: "Tell me, what is bothering you?"

Wuxian sighs deeply: "I'm just tired."

Ran: "Tired people don't refuse food."

Wuxian looks into her eyes and asks: "Lan Ran, what are your plans for the next week? What do you look forward to?"

Ran smiles: "Well.. we have many people planned to come meet you and get healed. I always enjoy seeing their healthy happy faces afterwards. What else? My sister and her family are returning home before the winter festival from a long assignment. I promised my niece that I would take her to the festival to make a wish."

Wuxian looks sadly at her then forces a smile: "You have a niece?"

Lan Ran frowned at his obvious sorrow and said: "Yes, she's three years old. Why does this make you sad?"

Wuxian shakes his head: "Not sad. Nostalgic."

Ran stops walking and pulls Wuxian to take a seat on the side: "What do you miss?"