Hui San Shi Er lay on the ground, feeling as though he had only a breath left.
Wu Di Lao Mu then looked towards our side.
She cupped her hands towards us:
"Fellow Daoists, we have caused you trouble.
If there is ever a time when Wu Di Dong can be of use, just let me know.
Wu Di Dong will surely assist!"
Hearing this, the three of us juniors stood without speaking.
In my opinion, these words were merely a formality.
Pleasant to hear, but devoid of any practical meaning.
My master and the others standing at the front clasped their fists.
Yun Xia Gu, standing in the middle, spoke:
"Old Immortal, you are too kind. We were merely following orders.
Now that the mission is complete, we shall not disturb you further.
Farewell!"
With that, she clasped her fists again.
My master and uncle also cupped their hands in turn:
"Farewell!"
Seeing this, we three juniors mimicked the gesture, but remained silent.
Wu Di Lao Mu, seeing that we were about to leave, suddenly spoke:
"Wait!"
Hearing this, we who had already turned sideways spun back.
"May I ask if Old Immortal has something else?"
Yun Xia Gu inquired.
We also looked at Wu Di Lao Mu with curiosity.
Wu Di Lao Mu let out a few "Hehehe" laughs:
"This old demon's discipline has been lacking, leading the children of this cave down the wrong path.
You have all worked hard on this journey.
This old demon has prepared a small gift, which I wish to present to all of you."
Upon hearing this, my master and the others merely exchanged glances and smiled faintly.
Yun Xia Gu then clasped her fists to decline:
"Old Immortal, we are grateful for your kind intentions.
However, regarding the gift, we shall not accept it."
With that, Yun Xia Gu, my master, and my uncle all clasped their fists in refusal.
None of them intended to accept the gift from Wu Di Lao Mu.
Seeing that my master and the others refused.
Wu Di Lao Mu shifted her gaze to the three of us behind them.
"My Hui family's reputation was not very good in the past.
But now, my Hui family has embarked on the righteous path.
You have all shown great respect by sparing my offspring, giving much face to Wu Di Dong and this old demon.
This old demon cannot, in good conscience, let you all travel in vain.
How about this!
This old demon sees these three Golden Youths as having clear and refined features, surely they are distinguished young talents of this era.
This old demon shall present each of them with one of my beards!"
As this was said, the three of us juniors didn't feel much.
But our masters standing before us all displayed expressions of shock.
Some even seemed unable to believe it.
Their eyes widened, showing great surprise.
"Beard... beards..."
My uncle spoke in surprise.
"This, this might not be appropriate!"
Yun Xia Gu also couldn't believe it.
"Old Immortal, can this statement be taken as true?"
But my master stepped forward directly, questioning her.
Clearly, he no longer intended to be polite.
Wu Di Lao Mu chuckled, "Hehehe":
"I believe these three Golden Youths have a destined connection with my Wu Di Dong, and therefore, it is indeed true."
"Very well, this humble Taoist shall first thank Wu Di Lao Mu on behalf of my disciple Qin Ze for the bestowed gift."
Master spoke directly, cupping his fists and bowing his thanks.
It left me stunned.
Could this beard be that precious?
My master even seemed impatient, showing no reserve whatsoever.
Seeing this, Yun Xia Gu and my uncle no longer hesitated.
Recollecting themselves, they also clasped their fists in thanks:
"Many thanks to Wu Di Lao Mu for the bestowed gift."
After saying this, our masters turned to look at us.
"What are you three still standing there for? Haven't you thanked Wu Di Lao Mu yet?"
My master spoke sternly.
His tone was not one of questioning or doubt.
I trusted my master implicitly.
With master's attitude, it indicated that Wu Di Lao Mu's beard was extraordinary.
Its value was so great that my master and the others had no reason to refuse.
Since the other party wished to give it, there was no reason not to accept it.
Therefore, I stepped forward by two paces.
Facing Wu Di Lao Mu, I cupped my fists and said:
"Qin Ze thanks Wu Di Lao Mu here."
"Xia Qiu Xi thanks Wu Di Lao Mu."
"Mo Ting thanks Wu Di Lao Mu."
The three of us spoke in unison, cupping our fists in gratitude.
Wu Di Lao Mu continued to smile, her gaze sweeping across each of our faces.
Finally, she raised her hand slightly.
In an instant, a long white beard drifted down before us.
Without hesitation, the three of us reached out and took it.
The beard was quite long, about ten centimeters.
Besides being white, it was also thick and appeared quite robust.
From its appearance, it was just a strand of hair, nothing special.
But I knew in my heart that this thing was definitely not as simple as it looked, and it certainly had its special uses.
Just like the fox claws I possessed.
They had a certain deterrent effect.
And they were sharp, capable of piercing Yin Sha malevolent beings.
They were rare treasures.
As for this beard, I imagined it also had its unique function.
Xia Qiu Xi and I remained silent.
But old Mo, holding the beard, looked at it for a moment and directly asked:
"Wu Di Lao Mu, what use does this beard have?"
As soon as he spoke, my uncle glared at him.
Startled, old Mo dared not speak further.
My uncle then clasped his fists:
"Old Immortal, my disciple meant no offense.
He merely has shallow knowledge and does not yet understand the use of Old Immortal's beard."
Wu Di Lao Mu waved her hand:
"No matter, no matter. This old demon's beard!
It has only three uses..."