Chapter 66 - Level ? - Master (1/2)

Xie Lan was climbing for more than 4 hours already. She did a few stops to rest, but they were short and soon after them she rushed to the peak with renewed vigor.

Moreover, the fact that her father may die at any moment didn't make it easier. Every minute counts. The tights she had were torn and the soles of her feet were covered with scratches. But she persevered and did her best to climb the mountain. Fortunately for her, the road was pretty good, so she had steady progress. The peak was close. Maybe another hour or so and she will be there.

***

Finally, after another hour, a grimy sweaty panting girl reached the summit, only to see a back of a young man, who seemed to be meditating.

Although she knew that the master she was looking for will be expecting her at the top of the mountain, this person was too young. He can't be the great master, right?

”What are you waiting for? Come over.”

He said.

”Um... Okay.” She didn't know why, but she was compelled to listen and obey.

The man patted the ground at his right, signaling to her to sit at the place.

”It took you five hours to reach this place.” he pointed out as soon as she sat.

She nodded and hummed in response. But the young man looked at her and raised his brow.

”When you are answering your master, make sure to vocalize the answer. I don't need a mumbling animal to serve me.”

She was a bit offended by his remark, but once more she felt that is only right for him to behave in this way with her.

”Yes, master.”

Xie Lan and the man stayed seated like this for quite some time. At some point, the sun started to go down over the horizon, marking the beginning of the night. Looking over the sunset, the man finally broke the silence.

”What are your plans after healing the father?”

”Can you actually help him, master?”

”There are not many things I am incapable of, Xie Lan.”

”You know my name? But...”

”There are not many things, I don't know either. I am a creature beyond your understanding, mortal.”

Xie Lan felt very strange. Every time her master said anything, she didn't dare to even breathe too loud. It was an absolute suppression, but strangely she wasn't against it. It felt... almost natural like this is just another absolute law of the universe.

His charisma was almost suffocating. His every word was imprinted in her memory, his every sentence was full of mysteriousness and every phrase was an embodiment of truth.

”Master, you said the price for healing of my father will be me serving you for a lifetime. I am ready to do so, but can you help my father now. He doesn't have much time left.”

”No worries, girl. Breaking promises is not something I take lightly, so you don't need to fret. Moreover, your father still has a few days to live.”

”Emituo Fo, master.” man's voice was heard behind Xie Lan, surprising her. After quickly turning around, she saw a middle-aged Buddhist with a ring on his left hand.

The moment she saw that ring, she was electrocuted. Although it had nothing in common with the ring on her finger in terms of outer appearance, it felt very similar in terms of the power it was emanating.

”What brings you here, Yu Meng?”

Monk hesitantly looked at the girl beside them and said

”Master, this lady is...?”

”It's another servant of mine. You can be properly introduced to each other later. For now, tell me the reason for your appearance here.”

”I got a call from the Xu family's elder about some strange curse case in the hospital.”

”Ah, that. Yeah, I know about it. This girl is the daughter of the cursed man. Unfortunately, it's not something your organization may help with.”

”Is that curse so strong?”

”Not really. But the problem here is that whoever cursed him, can do worse after you cure him. But that is something I don't care about. After all, these mundane tricks are for mortals to engage in.”

”Um... master. Actually, the issue is that there may be people coming to the temple. And I ȧssume the girl has a gift of power, right? She left a magic trail that leads right to your holy sanctuary.”

”It's okay. In the end, it's impossible to hide forever.”