Some would call me foolish.
To refuse such a great opportunity, to reject it outright.
But I believe a person must have their principles sometimes.
My master showed me immense kindness, a debt of gratitude. I couldn't simply pledge myself to another power after his death.
Nor did I wish to bring unnecessary trouble to the Hui family because of my relationship with Qing Dai.
Therefore, I refused.
Wu Di Lao Mu, upon hearing my answer, fell silent for a moment.
It was only after a long while that she spoke:
"Very well! Everyone has their own aspirations, and this old one will not force the issue. The matter of the alliance will be put on hold for now.
However, the immortals of the Hui family will not stand by while demonic forces wreak havoc upon the human realm.
If the Dao Alliance has arrangements, you may contact Gui Fang. My Hui family will not idly watch.
We will still act when necessary."
Hearing this, the Hui family's stance was clear.
An alliance might take time to form, but the Hui family would offer assistance, though perhaps not with their full might.
I remained silent, for this was the current attitude of Wu Di Dong.
Perhaps, it was also the best outcome at present.
Uncle Master cupped his fists:
"Thank you, Old Mother, for prioritizing the larger picture. In that case, this humble disciple will lead his students to depart."
Wu Di Lao Mu nodded and said no more.
Seeing this, Uncle Master spoke again:
"Farewell!"
With that, he turned and walked directly out of the divine hall.
We, a few of us, bowed in return, following Uncle Master's footsteps and turning to leave.
As we turned to depart, the voices of the Hui family elders discussing behind us began to sound.
"Old Mother, this Qin Ze truly has no idea what's good for him!"
"Indeed, such a grand opportunity, and he refused it!"
"He shows no respect for our Hui family..."
"..."
The voices gradually faded, growing softer until they disappeared.
After we left the divine hall, Uncle Master spoke not a single superfluous word.
Old Mo patted my shoulder without speaking.
But his attitude clearly conveyed his respect for my decision.
Before long, we arrived at the teleportation array platform to leave Wu Di Dong.
Shu Da Niang, holding her rat son, hurried to catch up.
"Brother Tang..."
Hearing Shu Da Niang's voice, we stopped.
Seeing Shu Da Niang approach, Uncle Master inquired:
"Fellow Daoist Shu, is there something else?"
Shu Da Niang sighed:
"I shall see you out!"
Uncle Master nodded. Shu Da Niang, as she had the day before, had us stand on the array platform and began to activate it, summoning a great bat to carry us up.
The platform flickered, and a giant bat swiftly swooped down.
Just as yesterday, it used vines to pull us up.
Upon reaching the top, Shu Da Niang couldn't help but speak again:
"Actually, for young Qin to have such a great opportunity this time, there was no need to refuse.
To become a guiding spirit for our Hui family would be nothing but beneficial."
I remained silent, but Uncle Master smiled:
"Young Qin has his own thoughts, and as his uncle master, I merely respect them."
He then glanced at me.
I continued with an apologetic tone:
"I am truly sorry, Auntie."
Shu Da Niang sighed:
"It is as it is, let's go! I will escort you out of the mountains."
Following that, Shu Da Niang led us directly out of Wu Di Dong.
There were still many rats here, and as we passed, they made way for us, squeaking and bowing.
At the cave entrance, Shu Da Niang pointed towards the direction of the mountainside:
"Go down this way, there's a waterway. You can take rafts to the mountain paths below."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Then, we followed Shu Da Niang to a small river at the foot of the mountain where Wu Di Dong was located.
Several wooden rafts were there.
We boarded them one by one.
Uncle Master asked Shu Da Niang:
"Fellow Daoist Shu, when will you return to Qingshan City?"
Shu Da Niang, holding her rat son, replied:
"My son is injured, and Old Mother promised him a great fortune.
It might be another three to five days.
When I return, I will contact you, and we can then lia-aison with the Dao Alliance."
Uncle Master nodded and cupped his fists:
"Then we shall bid you farewell!"
"Safe journey."
"Farewell!"
With that, I picked up a pole and pushed the raft downstream.
Shu Da Niang watched us depart from afar before turning back.
At this moment, we looked at the scenery by the roadside as we drifted downstream.
Suddenly, Uncle Master spoke to me:
"Young Qin, I suspect your refusal of Wu Di Dong this time, besides your stubbornness, is also related to the matter between you and Princess Jiu Sheng, isn't it?"
This was something I hadn't mentioned, but I didn't expect Uncle Master to guess it.
I nodded, not hiding anything from him:
"Yes. If I were to become a guiding spirit for the Hui family, it would be disloyal to my master.
Secondly, if something were to happen to Qing Dai.
It might also, due to karmic ties, implicate the Hui family.
If the Hui family were implicated, it could affect them for three generations.
Everyone might be caught up in this matter..."
Xiao Yao wasn't very familiar with Qing Dai.
But Uncle Master, having roamed the martial world for decades, knew Qing Dai's situation.
There was no ghost in this world that was permitted to wander the mortal realm for a thousand years.
On this point alone, Qing Dai had violated the laws of the underworld.
Upon hearing my answer, Uncle Master smiled at me:
"You have not been blinded by immediate gain, and you have done the right thing.
However, missing this opportunity is indeed a great pity."
"Uncle Master, what's there to regret? I am alone in this world, and it's already difficult to have reached this point.
As for my lifespan, my lamp oil is sufficient for now, and I won't die anytime soon.
Whether I become a guiding spirit for the Hui family, I truly don't care..."