Xia Qiu Xi's words stirred something within me. After all, compared to Xia Qiu Xi, who hailed from a major sect, a disciple of a Daoist holy land with profound inheritance, I was merely a humble practitioner from the martial world.
At the same time, I found myself curious about the "Daoist sects" Xia Qiu Xi mentioned. Although I had heard from my master before that our profession had declined with the changing world order, lineages and traditions still persisted in various parts of the martial world. Famous names like Maoshan, Longhu, and Qingcheng, for instance, still maintained their legacies. However, these sects were generally suffering from a lack of talented disciples.
Therefore, I asked Xia Qiu Xi, "Xia Qiu Xi, in today's martial world, are there still many people like us who study Dao and possess true skills?"
Xia Qiu Xi shook her head. "Not many, very few. Taking our Qingcheng Sect as an example, among our third-generation disciples, there are only about twenty-odd people. It's basically the same for most sects..."
Since I couldn't enter the house, I could only chat with Xia Qiu Xi about these matters. Through her words, I learned a lot about our profession. I realized that although people like us were few, there were indeed others like us across the country, secretly maintaining peace in their respective areas. The various sects also maintained connections and exchanges.
Xia Qiu Xi and her master, Daoist Master Yun Xia, had come to our place because they were sent by their master to attend the grand birthday celebration of an elder. They were passing by our area on their return journey and decided to make a brief stop, which led to our meeting.
We had been chatting for quite some time without realizing it. Just then, the tightly shut door creaked open. Xia Qiu Xi and I both turned to look. Daoist Master Yun Xia had already turned and walked out. My master, however, was bowing and scraping behind her.
"Yun Xia, that old bastard Tang Lin is just across the street."
Daoist Master Yun Xia acknowledged my master, then greeted Xia Qiu Xi and walked towards the Wanshou Hall. My master stood behind, waving his hand continuously, "Yun Xia, slow down, watch out for the car!"
Only after Daoist Master Yun Xia had crossed the road and entered the Wanshou Hall did my master heave a sigh of relief. Seeing my master send off Daoist Master Yun Xia as if she were some divine being, I curiously asked, "Master, what's your relationship with Daoist Master Yun Xia? Why are you so afraid of her?"
Upon hearing my words, my master's expression changed instantly. "You little brat, what do you know? Have you finished making the paper ingots?"
"How can I make them when I'm outside?"
"Hurry up and go. Stop asking so many questions."
After speaking, my master, with a stern face, glared at me again. I didn't dare to incur my master's displeasure, so I sheepishly retreated into the shop. Taking out the unfinished paper ingots, I continued to dawdle over my work. My master, however, sat in his seat, lost in thought, clearly preoccupied.
After a long while, I couldn't help but ask again, "Master, what is your relationship with Daoist Master Yun Xia?"
My master snapped back to attention but didn't look at me. This time, he didn't retort. He simply sighed, "A confidante, perhaps!"
"Oh? Then why haven't you had contact with Daoist Master Yun Xia for so many years? She even said you were avoiding her?"
My master remained silent for a moment before replying faintly, "Some things happened between us. Enough said! It's been many years, and it's all in the past. From today onwards, your Aunt Yun Xia will be staying with us for some time. What must be faced, will always have to be faced. There's no real escaping it..."
My master spoke with a hint of melancholy, yet also a touch of acceptance. I wanted to know more, but my master didn't elaborate further. After another moment, he spoke to me, "Little Qin, you remember the matter of Xiao Hanshan, don't you?"
Hearing my master suddenly mention "Xiao Hanshan," my interest was immediately piqued. This was the stronghold of the Youming Sect that my master had learned about from Qing Dai before the Mid-Autumn Festival, described as an important location guarded by two snake demons. Since this matter had been meticulously planned by my master and Uncle Tang, and my junior, Old Mo, and I hadn't inquired about it recently. Now that my master brought it up suddenly, I quickly asked, "I remember, Master. Are we going to strike at the Youming Sect's stronghold on Xiao Hanshan?"
My master nodded. "Yes, Old Tang and I have been planning it. But we didn't have a good plan. After all, your cultivation is still shallow, and you haven't learned many skills yet. If anything were to happen to Old Tang and me, you two would be left uncared for. But now, with Yun Xia here, we have help. It's time for us to head to Xiao Hanshan..."
Having been with my master for this time, I owed him a great debt. The Youming Sect had killed my grandmaster, and my master was determined to seek revenge. As his disciple, I naturally had no objections. Moreover, I deeply understood that only through constant practical combat could one rapidly improve their cultivation. Therefore, upon hearing my master's intention to strike at the Youming Sect, I felt a surge of excitement.
"Master, when do we move?"
Seeing my excitement, my master gave me a side-eye. "This isn't a trip for sightseeing; it's a gamble with life. Those demon Daoists are not like ordinary malevolent spirits. You could easily lose your life there! And you're so eager..."
I shook my head. "Master, my life was saved by you. Furthermore, I am determined to inherit your mantle and walk this path further and longer. I am not afraid of death, only of lacking the strength to avenge my grandmaster or assist you."
My words were spoken with absolute conviction. My master looked at me deeply, a smile forming on his lips. "Rest well and adjust yourself. We'll set off within these two days..."