The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 114 - Making Deals

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There was a strange calmness in the air. He can hear the birds outside singing and felt warm, like he was wrapped in a sheltering cocoon. Wuxian didn't want to open his eyes just yet. He knew that no matter what, the moment he opens his eyes this tranquil state will be lost. He didn't want to feel anything, see anything or remember anything.

He feels someone running their fingers through his hair. It didn't feel right. His soul-bond always woke him up by caressing his cheek gently. It became part of their unspoken morning ritual. He hears someone whispering: "You need to open your eyes."

It took a few minutes for Wuxian to recognize Yuxio's voice and understand the desperation in her tone. It broke the peaceful spell and he slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was her tight smile. She stopped touching his hair and placed her hand on his cheek to get his attention: "You were right. They found us."

Wuxian's eyes widened. He sat up and looked around. They were alone in a fancy green tent and he was covered with furs and wearing a posh version of Shenhua Clan's green robes. He turns to Yuxio: "How long have I been out?"

Yuxio: "Two days. You had a vision and the spark energy thingies that come out of your hair alerted them to our location."

Wuxian scratches his head, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he is now in Shenhua Clan's hands. He opened his robes a little to take a look at his wound. For the first time in many days, the white wrap covering it was not bloody.

Yuxio notices his confusion: "I told them what happened. They gave you the cure."

Wuxian frowns at her.

She puts her hands up defensively: "I made one of their men try it first then I tried it before giving it to you. Don't worry!"

Wuxian: "They just gave it to you?"

Yuxio shrugs: "They've been very cordial and nice. If I didn't know better, I'd say they're the most welcoming cultivator clan there is."

Wuxian leans in and whispers: "Is the Slayer with them?"

Yuxio rubs her chin: "No one introduced themselves with that title. Shenhua Kai is with them. I almost killed him but we made a deal: truce for the cure."

They were interrupted by Wuxian's loud stomach rumble. He laughs awkwardly: "Did they offer us food?"

They hear someone outside gently whispering: "Phoenix Warrior, may I visit the Divine Oracle?"

Yuxion whispers to Wuxian: "That's their clan leader."

Wuxian clears his throat and nods to her. She says loudly: "You may enter."

The older man from Wuxian's vision enters with grace. A few disciples follow with trays of food. They all were shocked to see Wuxian awake and hastily kneeled, saying in unison: "All hail the Divine Oracle."

Wuxian was a little intimidated by their military style formation. He pulled the furs a little bit tighter around his body and grabbed Yuxio's sleeve. At that moment, he wished Wangji or Wen Ning were here to quell his fears.

The older man stood up and looked at Wuxian, assessing his health: "I am glad to see that you are awake, Divine Oracle. I am Shenhua Qi, leader of our clan. Would you like for our healer to check your wound?"

Wuxian blinks a few times, still getting over the turret of odd emotions washing over him: "That won't be necessary."

Qi motions with his hand, asking politely to approach the bed Wuxian was lying in. Wuxian nods but tightens his grip on Yuxio's sleeve. Qi sits next to the bed and smiles: "I was surprised to see you traveling injured and alone. I thought Gusu Lan Clan would take better care of their Treasure."