The Rise of the Divine Oracle

Chapter 125 - Fatherhood

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He spent the day in and out of consciousness. Wuxian didn't know if Healer Shi somehow drugged him or he was truly exhausted. He woke up a few times, finding himself in the company of different people. First, it was Wen Ning, who replaced Wangji and cuddled happily with his soul-brother. Then, he found his hands full of his napping daughter. At some point he heard Zewu Jun whisper to him about meeting later but he was warm and comfortable and couldn't care much about anything other than resting. He didn't even want to grunt to acknowledge the older man's presence.

At sunset, he found himself finally rested enough to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was the concerned face of his father: Grandmaster Qiren. It took a few seconds for Wuxian's brain to process who he's looking at and then he snapped into action. He sat up and tried his best to stand to greet the older man. Qiren placed a gentle hand on his shoulder when he wavered to keep him in bed: "Stay."

Wuxian swallows hard and looks with wide-eyes at Qiren: "You're back."

Qiren pours Wuxian a cup of water and passes it to him. He noticed the slight tremor in Wuxian's hands as he drank the water in his cup in one go. Qiren frowns at his son: "Wei Ying, are you afraid of me?"

Wuxian puts the cup away and looks down, wishing he stayed asleep to avoid this confrontation. Of all the people who were present during Yuxio's grand speech, he feared his father's reaction the most. Qiren reached with his hand to gently lift Wuxian's chin: "You're afraid of me."

Wuxian bites his lips, not sure how to answer.

Qiren sighs and examines the man before him closely. Wuxian was clearly more exhausted than the last time he saw him.. If Qiren was honest with himself, Yuxio was right. The man before him looks nothing like the boy he kicked out of class many years ago.

Qiren decided to share his thoughts with Wuxian: "I don't know what to do anymore. I thought that we had an amazing relationship but upon reflection, I realized how blind I've been."

Wuxian hesitantly grabs the hem of Qiren's sleeve: "You don't like being my father?"

Qiren looks sadly at Wuxian: "I never asked you if you wanted a father or not, I forced that choice on you, like most of the responsibilities that are resting on your shoulders."

Wuxian feels tears well up his eyes: "I.. I like being your son."

Qiren gently takes the hand tugging his sleeve and looks desperately at Wuxian: "Do you truly mean that? Or are you saying it out of fear?"

A few tears escape Wuxian's eyes: "I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid of disappointing you."

Qiren sees Wuxian grimaces and grabs his chest. He knew about Wuxian's current health state. The first thing he did when he returned was demand an update on his son. He helped the smaller man lay down and whispered: "Relax. Take a few deep breaths."

Wuxian complied and when his features softened, Qiren said: "I love being your father. I meant it when I promised you protection and guidance when you joined our clan. I am glad that your senior disciple spoke up when you failed to, even though her colorful words can be toned down a notch. I needed to hear it and after reflection, I believe it."

Wuxian: "She's insufferable. I would punish her but her weird personality is a punishment by itself."

Qiren chuckles: "She's a good woman. All your students reflect some part of your personality and I respect them all for keeping up with you."

Wuxian pouts: "I'm not that bad."

Qiren gently smiles, examining the red ribbon in Wuxian's hair: "You're my son. There is no one better."