Chapter 19 (1/2)

Translator: Larbre Studio  Editor: Larbre Studio

“I am Xu Yi, please take care of me in the future, Captain Gu!”

Ever since slaughtering the Zhou family, Xu Yi firmly intended to hide his original name.

Initially, being able to flee far away was naturally the best. But now, since he could somehow join the ranks of the officials, it would still fulfil his purpose of going into hiding.

After all, by continuing to stay in Guang’an, it would follow the logic that the most dangerous place is often the safest place.

Gu Jianming laughed out loud. “Good, good. How about this? After you have your lunch, Brother Yi, go to the east of town and collect your uniform and equipment from the patrol station. But for now, I suggest that you head to the west of town and buy a gourd of the finest Bamboo Leaf Green wine!”

“What do you mean by this, Captain Gu?” Xu Yi could roughly guess the answer.

Gu Jianming said, “I heard about what happened at the lecture. Brother Yi has great ambitions but has yet to meet a good teacher. Today, your meeting with Master Zhou must be like receiving rain after a long drought. But with so many people in the hall with questions for the master, you must have left with some unanswered questions. Although Master Zhou was not originally from Furong Town, he has taught here at the Martial Lecture Hall many times over the last twenty years; thus, I have some understanding of his personality. His favourite wine is Bamboo Leaf Green, which he is sure to purchase every time he visits Furong Town. Right now, he is definitely alone enjoying his wine at the Blue Wave Pavilion by the side of Dragon’s Beard Creek. Brother Yi, if you have any more questions, you could buy a gourd of Bamboo Leaf Green and head over there.”

How understanding! How incredibly understanding!

Kicking off the ground, Xu Yi’s feet danced into action as he sped out the door.

Dragon’s Beard Creek was one of the tributaries of Nielong River which got its name from being situated where the beard of Nielong River would be.

The waters were clear, with a gentle meandering flow of water. With good waters, good scenery naturally followed. Both sides of the creek were lush with green trees.

Xu Yi was carrying two large gourds, racing along the river.

“Over here!”

While Xu Yi was looking around for a pavilion, he suddenly heard a shout.

Looking towards the source, he saw Master Zhou sitting on a rock not far away, waving his arms at him.

Xu Yi halted, then quickly walked towards him. Before he could get close, Master Zhou had leapt forward, snatching the two gourds of wine from his hands. Pulling out the soft cork, he took a hearty swig and smiled from ear to ear. “Good wine, good wine. The very best Bamboo Leaf Green indeed. They were enticing my old nose from far away. With my meagre salary, I really can’t afford such good wine. Today must be my lucky day.” With those words, he took another large swig, even getting his beard all wet.

Xu Yi did not speak, and just quietly watched him drink his fill.

After finishing half a gourd of wine, Master Zhou finally remembered that next to him was the one who had brought him the wine. But thick skinned as he was, there was not even a hint of redness in his old face. He pointed to the rock beside them and invited Xu Yi to take a seat.

“Boy, of your intentions, I am well aware. Earlier in the lecture hall, I had already noticed you. You are a man with ideas. Now, you come chasing after me as though your butt is on fire, even bringing my favourite Bamboo Leaf Green. Someone must have advised you on this. But, whatever! I can’t defeat my love for good wine. Two gourds of wine, two questions!”

The old man was a straightforward person. After receiving the gifts, he will do what is expected.

And that was exactly what Xu Yi wanted. Cutting straight to the chase, he said, “Earlier in the class, there was a concept that I remember clearly, which was to use one’s essence to command souls. This is referring to cultivation at the Soul Sensing stage, where the physical body is at its limits and where one can develop supernatural senses. I would like to ask, do humans really have souls? When do souls appear? What does a strong soul do for a practitioner?”

The question regarding souls had been kept in his heart for a long time.