.
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."
Wuxian points at Yuxio: "I'm not alone. I have my spirit animal and senior disciple from Jiang Clan. They are more than capable of defending me if need arises."
Yuxio wiggles in her seat, overjoyed by his praise. Wuxian pinches her arm to get her to stop.
Qi shakes his head: "Nevertheless, they let you leave while injured."
Wuxian sits straighter and glares at the old man: "They didn't LET me. I'm a grown man with a strong will. I do what I want."
Qi ducks his head: "My son must have underestimated their influence on you. He thought they were monopolizing your time and somehow influencing your choices."
Wuxian smirks: "I think our last encounter was clear. No one can tell me what to do. Gusu Lan Clan is my family, not my warden."
Qi: "Then why did you leave them?"
Wuxian: "I did not. I came looking for you."
Qi: "We are not associated with the rogue faction that attempted to kill you."
Wuxian nods: "I am aware."
Qi: "Then, how can Shenhua Clan be of service?"
Wuxian: "I want to meet the Slayer."
If Shenhua Clan Leader was surprised by his request, his stoic face did not show it. Qi took a deep breath and asked: "The Slayer is not traveling with us. If it pleases the Divine Oracle, I would be more than happy to do your bidding on his behalf."
Wuxian purses his lips and weighs his options. He wishes Lan Ran or Zewu Jun were here to mitigate this awkward situation. The man before him was smooth with his words and Wuxian didn't feel like playing mind games.
Wuxian leans closer to Qi: "I'm not a big fan of sugarcoating things, Shenhua Clan Leader. You know what I can do. Secrecy is not going to benefit you well. I have seen glimpses from your past and your future. I know that your clan wrote the book "Darkest of Days". What I don't understand is why you keep its important content a secret?"
Qi: "Divine Oracle, you of all people know that fate is not supposed to be revealed. People must feel in control and in command of their own actions. We are not Gods. We only serve as guides to ensure the safety of the future."
Wuxian narrows his eyes: "What if I told you that you will fail?"
Qi: "That is not possible. The book was clear. Everything it predicted so far has come to pass."
Wuxian leans back and sighs: "You can't possibly be this naive! I have changed the future and by associating with me, we will continue to reshape it. Your book will be obsolete and the only guide you will have left is me."
Qi: "You are proving my point for me, Divine Oracle. That is why we trained to serve you."
Wuxian groans. Arguing with a man that purged his feelings is counterproductive. Wuxian sighs: "I want to see the Slayer."
Qi shakes his head: "As I said before, he is not traveling with us."
Wuxian: "Then where is he?"
Qi: "He is probably closer to Cloud Recesses than we are."
Wuxian: "We're going there?"
Qi: "Shenhua Clan was on its way to sign a treaty with the other cultivator clans."
Wuxian frowns: "Was?"
Qi: "That course of action is no longer necessary. We have what we came for."
Wuxian shakes his head: "You have nothing. I am not your property."
Qi nods: "But you are in our care. We are your destined guardians."
Leans back and shares a look with Yuxio. He says: "I had a vision before you found us."
Qi nods: "It was a sight to behold, Divine Oracle. Thank you for your blessings."
Wuxian: "I saw the faceless man in Cloud Recesses. He was looking for me."
An expression of worry peeks beyond Qi's stoic face: "Then we must get as far as possible from him."
Wuxian shakes his head: "He will capture the Slayer and that will be the downfall of your Clan. I stopped him in Luxia City and now he is mad. He will seek revenge by eliminating my guardian clan. That's why I've been asking for the Slayer."
Qi thinks for a few minutes: "I will send disciples to stop him."
Wuxian laughs out loud: "I've fought your son. If he's the best you've got, then be ready to be the cause of your clan's extinction."
Qi frowns: "Then what do you suggest?"
Wuxian leans closer and says with as much fake confidence as he can muster: "Take me to the Slayer and let's face the hybrid Wraith together."
.