Volume 1 Chapter 4 (1/2)
Chapter 4
Why would a senior master ”visit” his apprentice so formally?
Cheng Qian and Han Yuan were in a co, while their master continued as if he wanted to confuse them more, ”No worries Your first senior brother is simple-minded; you don’t need to fear him Just act as I do”
Wait, what did you mean by ”just act as I do”?
Anyhow, Muchun Zhenren successfully transformed the mist over his two little apprentices' heads into thick soup
As they passed through the gate, a few Taoist children ca brook
These Taoist children were all in their teens and looked senuine iantly without wind
Facing the Qian, who had been conceited all the way, somehow had a subtle sense of inferiority, not to mention Han Yuan that was already stupefied
Owing to the very bit of subtle feeling, Cheng Qian was on the defensive spontaneously He subconsciously changed into a stern look, straightened up his back, and wrapped up his curiosity and ignorance discreetly
The leader of the Taoist children saw Michun Zhenren fro came earlier than his appearance ”Sect Leader, where have you been this tiet yourself so scrappy? — Oh! The… where did you abduct the young masters?” He said quite casually
Cheng Qian studied his every single word and phrase carefully but failed to find the slightest respect in the a ”Sect Leader” but rather a ”Uncle Han froe”
Muchun Zhenren didn’tQian and Han Yuan, he said, ”They are my newly accepted apprentices Could I trouble you to help them settle down?”
”Where should I settle them?” The Taoist child smiled
”This one to the South Courtyard” Muchun Zhenren pointed at Han Yuan carelessly Then he lowered his head down and n His eyes had a clear distinction between black and white, revealing a hint of innate restraint and unobtrusive fluster of unfamiliar environments
The casual s at the corner of Muchun Zhenren's ed the place for Cheng Qian in an almost solemn manner, ”Take him to Side Pavilion”
In fact, ”Side Pavilion” wasn’t a pavilion but a s courtyard that was somewhat secluded On one side of the wall, there was a tranquil strea by; while on the other side, there was a bamboo forest, which was extremely peaceful
Presumably the ba through would be dyed e in a sea of bareen would cleanse one's mind of desires
There was an Eternal Fire with char at each side of the door of the yard, which wasQian’s faht halo was soft and wouldn't flicker in the wind Between the two la'an (quiet and peaceful)”
Apparently, they ritten by the same person as the two characters ”Fuyao” at the mountain waist
The Taoist child guiding Cheng Qian was na brother Xueqing was of medium build with ordinary features, as thethose Taoist children, but looked fairly co watched attentively He was taciturn and didn’t enjoy the liht
”This is Side Pavilion, also called Qiang'an Dwelling It's heard that Sect Leader once lived here, but heHall” Xueqing explained softly, ”Does Third Martial Uncle knohat Chanting Hall is?”
Actually Cheng Qian wasn’t very clear, but he nodded, showing little concern Following Xueqing into the courtyard, he saw a s square in the center The holder made of black elm underneath was carved with char the water — the water in the pond wasn’t flowing or rippling
But after taking a closer look, Cheng Qian found it wasn’t a pond but a huge precious stone
That stone was neither a jade nor an ereen faintly touched with a shade of blue, e chilly and serene tranquility
Cheng Qian had never seen such a rare treasure before Even if he didn’t want to appear ignorant, he was seized with astonishment momentarily
”I don’t knohat it is, but we call it Peaceful Stone Sect Leader used to transcribe scriptures on it With it, the yard will be
Pointing at the visible char Qian couldn’t resist his curiosity and asked, ”Brother Xueqing, what are these charms for?”
Xueqing didn’t expect Cheng Qian to be so courteous to him He was dazed by his polite form of address for a while, and then answered, ”You're overwhel me with more than I can bear, Third Martial Uncle — they are not charms”
Cheng Qian gave hiht a trace of restrained doubt froh his eyes could speak Coht back, this one appeared more delicate and attractive
Xueqing failed to find the proper words to describe his feelings He could tell that this kid wasn’t froround and didn’t receive much education, yet he tried hard to shape hientleman, but very clumsily There was a hint of formality in his every move and act, as if he was uncertain about which mask he should wear to associate with others
In brief, he was putting on airs and doing iets
Generally speaking, affected persons were always annoying even if they were only kids But so Qian nasty Contrarily, he felt some compassion for him So he explained in a mild tone, ”Third Martial Uncle, I ae of Sect Leader's and Martial Uncles' daily life The art of char of which I don’t have a sht only a word or two froo and ask Sect Leader or my… your First Martial Brother”
Cheng Qian caught the word ” of Taoist children's over-intimate and under-respectful attitude towards the sect leader, his doubts grew even stronger
Xueqing soon fas in the room He hastily bathed hied his clothes, and tidied up the house inside and out Then he led him out
Cheng Qian asked Xueqing for information about his firstup his demeanor at the same time Finally, he learned that first , born in a rich family