Before her, Lan Feng’s unparalleled handsome face seemed to float into her mind. Mu Hanyan shook her head vigorously, banishing Lan Feng’s shadow and those bizarre suppositions from her thoughts, and returned to her room.
Back in her room, Mu Hanyan once again practiced the Hand Formations she had acquired from the Star Illusion Thousand Mechanism Technique, along with cultivating the Heavenly Heart Technique. It was only after a while that she gradually found herself in an excellent state, warning herself to be cautious of beauty’s distraction. Lan Feng, you calamity, in the future, I should take even fewer glances at you.
As night fell, the bustle of Heishi City quieted down, but the Third Elder’s residence was bright with lights and decorations, exuding a joyful atmosphere.
A lavish banquet was prepared in the hall, and at the main table, the Third Elder was holding an elder’s hand and laughing heartily, "It’s been nearly ten years since our parting in Shanyang City, hasn’t it? Master Qu still carries the same flair, getting younger with each passing year. Truly, you are a reclusive master."
The elder whose hand was being held smiled modestly. If Mu Hanyan and Mu Nan had been present, they would have been greatly surprised to find that the highly esteemed hermit the Third Elder had been longing to meet was none other than Qu Shanling, Qu the Godman.
"Third Elder, you flatter me too much," Qu the God remarked as he stroked his beard, displaying the ease of a true recluse. Yet internally, he complained: On the way to Heishi City, I didn’t even have time to properly dye my hair—the black hairs are almost showing through. How could I not appear younger?
"It was thanks to your Master that I was able to foresee danger and narrowly escape calamity. I had intended to express my gratitude to your Master, but delays kept arising due to various affairs. By the time I finally found some leisure, your Master had already departed for the western heavens, which fills me with endless regret," the Third Elder said with a look of sorrow.
More than a decade ago, when he went to cultivate and wander through the Long Yan Mountains, he had come across Qu Shanling and his Master in Shanyang City. At that time, Qu’s Master was still alive and had said he was fated with the Third Elder. He divined for him, warning that there would be dangers in the Long Yan Mountains.
As an Elder of the Mu Family, he wouldn’t normally pay much attention to any ordinary Star Divination Master, and since Qu Shanling’s Master kept a low profile with little fame, the Third Elder hadn’t taken his words to heart.
Qu’s Master, not at all offended, left three brocade pouches behind and then departed with Qu Shanling.
Subsequent events proved his words true; the Third Elder faced several life-threatening dangers in the Long Yan Mountains and only by relying on those three brocade pouches did he narrowly escape from death each time. Although he emerged from the Long Yan mountains severely injured, he was well aware that without those pouches, he would have died without a place to be buried.
The Third Elder regarded Qu Shanling and his Master as incredible beings, but, unfortunately, due to his severe injuries, he could not personally go to express his gratitude. After recovering, he took over managing the Mu Family’s various enterprises in Heishi City and was even busier, only able to send letters and gifts to express his gratitude.
Since then, the Third Elder often corresponded with Qu Shanling through letters, considering it a friendship of the souls over many years.
This time, knowing that Qu Shanling was coming to Heishi City, the Third Elder was beyond happy. With a Master so remarkable, his disciple couldn’t be far behind, he thought. Besides, he had met Qu Shanling once in the past and felt that his demeanor and grace seemed even stronger than his Master’s. Perhaps the student would surpass the teacher?
Such an esteemed master was an opportunity not to be missed, so the Third Elder had started preparing many days in advance. This banquet was much more grandiose than a typical family dinner.
"Thank you for your concern, Third Elder. If my Master knew this from beyond, he too would be very comforted," said Qu Shanling. Whenever he spoke of his Master, he would set aside his habitual godly pretense and his expression would turn solemn and respectful. His reverence for the Master who raised him was heartfelt. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on NoveI[F]ire.net
The two chatted idly about family and daily life as they waited for the banquet to be served.
"Master Qu, while we wait for the dishes to arrive, there are two matters for which I’d like to ask your assistance," the Third Elder said.