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Grandmaster Qiren and Zewu Jun were sitting in silence. They often enjoyed each other's company even if no words were exchanged. Unfortunately, this time the silence was induced by the heavy knowledge Healer Shi shared with them a few hours ago. Qiren thought that finding the healer would be the toughest part in fulfilling his promise to his son but it seems the road ahead is covered with obstacles.
Zewu Jun broke the silence: "What are we going to do? Wuxian doesn't have many connections. If we were able to convince him into going through with this procedure, how are we going to find a third person to help rebuild his energy container?"
Qiren sighs in frustration: "Write a letter to his brother."
Zewu Jun was skeptical: "Jiang Cheng?"
Qiren nods. Zewu Jun: "Healer Shi told us that since he's the recipient of the golden core, he is definitely not a compatible candidate."
Qiren: "All the people we suggested are either too young, lack a solid connection or lack the proper type of spiritual control. Do you have any other solution?"
Zewu Jun bows: "I will send the letter today."
Qiren stares wearily at his nephew: "Xichen, it's been so hectic since Wei Ying joined our clan that I haven't asked about your wellbeing in a while. How are you faring?"
Zewu Jun rubs his forehead and chuckles: "I don't know. I thought by handing over the clan business to Wangji I would have time to meditate and resolve my issues but honestly I've been more busy lately than when I was handling the Lan Clan's affairs."
Qiren smiles at him: "It takes a tribe to handle a man like Wei Wuxian."
Zewu Jun smiles back: "It's the most rewarding job I've had in many years."
Qiren: "Would you mind if I appoint you as the Divine Oracle's Official Consultant?"
Zewu Jun: "I would be honored."
Qiren pats his shoulder: "May luck be on your side."
Wuxian woke up disoriented. He doesn't remember falling asleep. One look out the window confirms that it's mid day. Why was he napping mid day? The last thing he remembered was listening to Healer Shi explain the procedure needed to fix his compromised energy container. Wuxian sat up and looked around. For the first time in many days, he is actually alone. What happened?
He hits his head with his hand trying to remember and a fleeting memory struck him. Loneliness.. longing.. fear of separation. These were definitely not his feelings. He grabs his hair in frustration and growls: "Damn Earth Deity.. What did you show them now?"
He got up in a hurry and ran out without wearing his robes, clad only in pants and tunic. His only thought is to find his soul-bond. Barefoot, he ran to the library, main hall, all the rooms he can think of and even the cold spring. He was met with shocked expressions and people trying to stop him with no luck. Wen Ning was following him in silence, blocking others from interfering and making sure he doesn't hurt himself in the process.
Wuxian found his soul-bond meditating among the rabbits in the back mountain. He lets out a sigh of relief then hesitates for a second before making his way towards him. He sat a few paces away, nervous. Wangji clearly chose this place to be alone. Wuxian swallowed loudly and inches further away to give his partner more space. A strong wind passes by, reminding Wuxian of his state of undress.
Wangji opens his eyes and says: "Come closer."
He wraps his hands around himself while he shivers and says: "It's.. It's fine. I'll wait until you're done meditating."
Wangji reaches out to grab his hand, yanking Wuxian into his lap and engulfing him in warmth.
Wuxian stiffens in his embrace but when he feels Wangji rubbing his back, he starts to relax: "Were they your memories?"
Wangji nods while taking deep breaths from Wuxian's scent.
Wuxian: "Do you want to talk about it?"
Wangji shakes his head: "The past should stay in the past."
Wuxian: "Are you still angry with me?"
Wangji: "I was never angry with you. I was angry at myself for not noticing your pain."
Wuxian places his hand on Wangji's heart: "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just thought since you cannot do anything about it, there is no need for the both of us to suffer."
Wangji: "Promise me one thing."
Wuxian: "Name it."
Wangji: "Never stop seeking me for comfort. No matter how, no matter when, I will always be there for you. Alright?"
Wuxian smiles to himself and nods.
Another gust of wind passes by and Wuxian shivers again.
Wangji clears his throat then says with a low threatening voice: "Why are you undressed?"
Wuxian sits back and pouts at him: "My soul-bond left without preparing my clothes."
Wangji glare at him: "Shoes?"
Wuxian laughs awkwardly and ducks his head: "Would you believe me if I said that my love for you was so intense that it made me forget wearing them?"
Wangji sighs in irritation and stands, pulling his soul-mate with him.
Wen Ning steps closer and takes off his outer robes and hands them to Wangji. He drapes them over the smaller man's shaking form and turns around and kneels: "Let's go. I'll carry you."
In the past, Wuxian thought it was embarrassing for a grown man to be carried around. Now, once he felt the love and care of others, he relished these small gestures of affections.
Wangji carried him to their room and after he washed his feet, dressed him properly and force fed him the extra meal, they went to meet with Qiren to discuss the treatment course of action.
Qiren nods appreciatively at Wangji when he sees the wide smile on Wuxian's face. His son can light a room with his joyous loud personality.
Wuxian sits next to his father and asks: "What did we miss?"
Qiren smiles at him: "Son, I know this will be a difficult task for you but know this: you are now part of a family. We do things together. Come what may, we will support and nurture you until the end of days."
Wuxian's smile widens: "I will do my best to make you and our clan proud."
Qiren's expression turns serious: "With that said, there are some things that needs to be explained before we consider this treatment option. Healer Shi tested Zewu Jun and he turned out to be compatible. We asked your disciples to participate and even though they all volunteered without hesitation, their age and lack of spiritual control makes them unsuitable. Lan Ran also wanted to be tested but her bond to you is not strong enough. We excluded Wen Ning because he only uses vengeful energy which is too violent to control and your brother, Jiang Cheng, was excluded as well because he's using your golden core. Can you think of someone who has a strong bond to you that we can test?"
Wuxian rubbed his chin in thought then shook his head: "I'm sorry father. I don't have many friends."
Qiren taps his shoulder: "Don't worry. I will find someone. In the meantime, I need you to hand over your flute and sword for safe keeping. Healer Shi expressed her concern about further damaging your energy flow if you use them for the time being. Once the procedure starts, they will be useless anyway."
Wuxian pulls out his Chenqing and looks at it with longing: "Now?"
Qiren gestures for one of the disciples and he steps close holding two long wooden boxes: "Yes, now."
Wuxian sadly places his flute in one and Wen Ning hands him Suibian to place it in the other.
Qiren: "Don't worry. They will be stored in the cold cave. It's the most warded and secure place in Cloud Recesses."
Wuxian feels his heart break when the disciple closes the boxes, kneels and leaves, taking his weapons with him.
Wangji rubs his back in support while Qiren continues: "When your spiritual energy is sealed, Healer Shi informed me that your body will go through an initial shock phase. It will fade gradually until you're left with minor symptoms. While stripped from your energy, you will be susceptible to injury and illness like the common folks. We will not be able to heal you with spiritual energy transference. This means you will be treated with natural remedies and rest. So, be careful with your body during that time. I have instructed the healer to go to the villages around and stock up with all that you might require just in case."
Wuxian nods numbly. He can't tell if he's just going with the flow at this point or if he's too shook up to respond properly.
Qiren: "You will resume your duties as Zewu Jun sees fit."
That statement pulled a response from Wuxian: "Zewu Jun?"
Qiren nods: "He will be your official consultant for now. Quite frankly, it's more for his sake than yours so let him busy himself caring for you."
Wuxian stares blankly at his father: ".. alright."
Qiren: "Once we find the third candidate, Healer Shi will plan your treatment and we will start as soon as possible. Do you have any objections?"
Wuxain looks at Wangji and receives an encouraging nod then says: "When the time comes.. I will be ready."
Qiren looks at him with pride then continues: "As for the other symptoms you're exhibiting pertaining to Da Ziran, Healer Shi documented many changes other than the ones she mentioned in the meeting."
Qiren hands the couple a book and says: "She wrote down her observations and suggested multiple solutions to alleviate your discomfort. Since these changes cannot be undone, managing them is our only course of action for now."
Wangji grabs the book with intent and Wuxian looks sadly at his father: "I don't know if I should thank you or apologize. I feel my presence here has caused nothing but chaos to your tranquil way of life."
Qiren reaches over and grabs his cold hand: "You're our Treasure. Please have faith. I know the future looks gloomy for now but I wholeheartedly believe that you're meant to do amazing things. We are honored to be the ones placing the stepping stones for you to achieve greatness."
Wuxian nods and with a low voice says: "Father, may I ask for a favor?"
Qiren nods. Wuxian: "I would like to keep the details of my illness and the procedure I will be going through a secret please."
Qiren: "We will inform your disciples, assistant and brother. No one else."
Wuxian smiles: "Thank you."
With a bow, both men left the grandmaster to fetch lunch. Wuxian eyed the book in Wangji's hand when they sat in the main hall after for tea. After a few minutes of silence, he finally snapped: "You cannot possibly hog that book for yourself! Give it! I want to read it now." When he receives a blank stare from Wangji, he timidly adds: ".. please."
Wangji moves to sit next to him and opens the book so they can both read it together. A few pages in, Wuxian rubs his nose and says: "Huh.. that explains a lot."
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