Chapter 14

As soon as he entered the courtyard, a fragrant aroma mixed with the air, invigorating Qingxuan's spirit. For a moment, he felt incredibly refreshed, and all the tension in his body relaxed.

In the center of the courtyard stood a tripod bronze incense burner, about half a person's height, with auspicious cloud and water patterns. Inside the burner, sandalwood incense was slowly rising. On both sides of the courtyard, exotic trees had been transplanted, their branches twisted and gnarled, and large white flowers bloomed, emitting a refreshing and invigorating fragrance. The incense and the floral fragrance, though distinctly different, were harmoniously blended. The owner of the small courtyard had an astonishing sense of smell, finding flowers that matched the sandalwood, skillfully merging the two fragrances. The scent was fresh, elegant, and transcendent, making the courtyard owner seem even more otherworldly.

The main hall in front, though without elaborate carvings and paintings, was extremely unique. On both sides of the corridor, various parrots and other birds were hanging.

On the pillars of the main gate, a couplet was carved, reading:

"Yin and Yang follow the natural changes,

The essence of truth acts as it pleases."

Above the couplet, a large plaque with three characters was engraved:

"Jing Si Zhai" (Hall of Tranquil Thoughts)

The characters were written with iron hooks and silver strokes, exuding an extraordinary aura.

However, looking at the three large characters above, Qingxuan felt a bit uneasy, thinking of his strict and kind teacher. He was startled by the sound of his own swallowing.

At the door of his master, the carefree and free-spirited demeanor he had earlier was gone, replaced by an inexplicable nervousness.

In the entire Qingyun Temple, Qingxuan was most afraid of this master. For some reason, even though he had done nothing wrong, he always felt nervous whenever he saw his master.

Although he often cursed this "sham" master in private, he knew deep down that his fear stemmed from respect. Especially during each meeting, he dared not even breathe loudly, perhaps this was the aura of a martial arts master.

While Qingxuan, the young disciple, was lost in thought and hesitating, the door to his master's room creaked open. A plump Taoist, with a round face and a kind smile, walked out. He looked more like a businessman than a martial arts master. This was Qingxuan's third senior brother, Qingsong, who was in charge of the temple's external affairs and was known for his kindness.

"Ah, Seventh Junior Brother has arrived."

"Third Senior Brother." Qingxuan clasped his hands in a respectful bow.

Before Qingsong could return the bow, he noticed his mischievous junior brother's worried expression and the quick nod of his chin toward the room, accompanied by a series of facial expressions.

Qingsong couldn't help but smile, guessing that this little rascal had probably gotten into trouble again.

Just as Qingsong was about to say something, a clear voice came from inside the room.

"Since you're here, why don't you come in?"

"Yes, Master."

Qingxuan's face turned even more miserable.

Qingsong nodded slightly, his expression calm, indicating everything was fine.

Qingxuan was overjoyed, almost impulsively wanting to kiss the plump face. He bowed deeply to his third senior brother and turned to enter the room. With his third senior brother's assurance, Qingxuan felt much more at ease, and his steps became lighter.

Watching his junior brother enter the room, Qingsong couldn't help but smile. He straightened his robes and floated away.

After entering the room, Qingxuan closed the door behind him.

Master Lingxuzi preferred quiet and did not have a servant boy attending him.

The room was simply furnished. In the middle was a living room, on the left was a study, and on the right was a bedroom. The room was elegantly decorated, with a painting of "Laozi Leaving the Pass" hanging on the wall opposite the door. Below it was a purple sandalwood altar, with various offerings neatly arranged, and a sandalwood incense burner emitting a fragrant smoke.

Eight nanmu armchairs were lined up on both sides, reaching the door.

Qingxuan nervously glanced at the large gourd hanging next to the painting of "Laozi Leaving the Pass" and then looked at the teapot on the shelf in the study... It seemed—uh, it seemed there were no signs of movement.

Qingxuan felt a bit relieved and ducked into the bedroom on the right.

The bedroom was simple, with a mat on the floor and a brick bed inside. On the wall of the brick bed was a painting of the Yin-Yang Taiji diagram. On the other side of the door was a large bookshelf, filled with books and various items, including an iron Bagua hanging on the shelf.

At this moment, his master, the abbot of Qingyun Temple, Daoist Lingxuzi, was sitting cross-legged on the brick bed. The old Taoist wore a loose robe, his wide sleeves fluttering, his white hair and beard flowing, his kind eyes and dignified appearance making him look spotless. His smooth, wrinkle-free face and long eyebrows reaching his shoulders made him worthy of the title "old immortal."

"Xuan, sit down."

"Yes, Master."

Qingxuan straightened his robe and sat on a pear wood chair next to the brick bed. However, due to his short legs, he almost had to crawl up.

Looking at his young disciple, who still had a mature demeanor despite his young age, Daoist Lingxuzi couldn't help but smile inwardly.

Qingxuan was indeed a disciple he highly valued. Despite his young age, he had excellent physical qualities and was very disciplined. Although he was mischievous, his intelligence was on par with those from famous martial arts families.

More importantly, this disciple exuded caution from within, never taking risks and always acting with restraint. Even when he seemed to act recklessly, he always had a good reason, which was a rare talent for a child with little worldly experience. With this caution, and with proper guidance, there would be no fear of him going astray or causing trouble for the sect in the future.

Thinking of this, Daoist Lingxuzi stroked his beard and nodded with a smile.

Because of this disciple's early maturity and cautious nature, Daoist Lingxuzi had been deep in thought recently and finally decided to reveal his background and the sect's mission to him sooner.

Thinking of Qingxuan's background and the sect's mission, the old Taoist's heart sank, and he sighed deeply, feeling a sense of sorrow.

However, in Qingxuan's eyes, this behavior made his heart skip a beat.

He wondered if the old man was senile, laughing and crying at random. But at least he didn't look angry, so he probably wouldn't be in trouble.

Daoist Lingxuzi stroked his long beard and asked calmly, "How long have you been in this temple, Xuan?"

"Disciple has grown up here and is now eight years old, so it has been eight years."

"Eight years," Daoist Lingxuzi sighed. "In these eight years, I have not taught you the advanced techniques of our sect or any swordsmanship. Do you have any complaints?"

"Disciple dares not."

"Do you dare not to complain, or do you dare not to speak?" Daoist Lingxuzi's eyes narrowed, staring intently at Qingxuan.

"Disciple has had doubts, but knowing that Master must have a reason, and being playful, I have not dared to ask."

Daoist Lingxuzi's expression lightened, and he smiled.

Qingxuan, on the other hand, was secretly sweating.

Daoist Lingxuzi slowly said, "In these eight years, I have observed that despite your young age, you often think deeply before acting. Though you are mischievous, you are very measured. In theory, as the youngest disciple, you should have been taught the advanced techniques of our sect long ago, but... " He paused, his tone hesitant, as if still unsure about what he was about to say.

Qingxuan did not dare to interrupt his master and waited quietly.

Fortunately, it didn't take long. Daoist Lingxuzi seemed to make a significant decision, his gaze becoming resolute, a look Qingxuan had never seen before.

Daoist Lingxuzi said, "I have not revealed the secrets of our sect because I have had a deep-seated concern. Do you remember the blood feud you bear?"

The drama has finally begun.

(End of page)