Chapter 13 - Before Midnight
Chapter 13: Before Midnight
After leaving Uncle Gu's house, Xiao Xianyu did not swagger through the streets; instead, he went straight to the Earth God Temple where the Decayed Wood Taoist resided.
It seemed the Decayed Wood Taoist had anticipated Xiao Xianyu's early arrival. As Xiao approached the temple, he heard the Taoist’s voice from within: “Young friend Xiao, please come inside and take a seat.”
After ensuring no one was nearby, Xiao Xianyu entered the temple.
The Decayed Wood Taoist sat by the table, facing a cup of steaming tea, clearly freshly poured for Xiao Xianyu.
Xiao Xianyu sat opposite, lifted the tea, and took a sip.
The Taoist said, “There is a look of confusion between your brows, young friend. Might you share your troubles? Let us ponder them together.”
Xiao replied, “You are truly perceptive, elder. With a single glance, you saw the doubt in my heart. I am in awe.”
The Decayed Wood Taoist smiled slightly and said, “There is nothing particularly perceptive about it—merely that I am a few years older and have witnessed more things.”
“When you reach my age, you may see even deeper and further than I.”
Xiao Xianyu said, “My master has spoken similarly. He said there are some things I need not ask or think about now; when the time comes, I will act naturally. And some principles need not be guessed or sought—when I have experienced enough, I will naturally comprehend them.”
“At the time, I wondered: if I don’t act, how will I know what to do? If you don’t tell me the principles, how will I understand? But hearing your words now, elder, it seems much like what my master said.”
The Decayed Wood Taoist nodded. “Your master’s words are true. However, you and I have not yet reached his level, so it is still wise for us to discuss and ponder some matters.”
Xiao Xianyu nodded. “That makes sense. The question that troubles me is: what is my master’s purpose in sending me down the mountain for training?”
“Oh…” The Decayed Wood Taoist fell into contemplation, saying nothing.
Xiao Xianyu looked at him and asked, “What does the elder think is my master’s purpose in sending me down the mountain?”
The Taoist raised his eyes to Xiao Xianyu. “The depth of your master’s intentions, I fear I cannot fully comprehend. Still, I can speculate a little.”
“Please, I would like to hear in detail,” said Xiao Xianyu.
The Decayed Wood Taoist said, “An ancient once said, ‘If you succeed, aid the world; if you fail, cultivate yourself.’ I believe your master has two purposes for sending you down the mountain. First, it will greatly benefit your own growth. Second, if you become strong enough, perhaps you can aid the whole world.”
“Aid the world?” Xiao Xianyu repeated those four words.
“Is the world the same as the martial realm?” Xiao Xianyu asked.
“The world is not the martial realm; the martial realm exists within the world,” said the Decayed Wood Taoist.
Xiao Xianyu listened, deep in thought.
After a while, the Taoist asked, “Have you heard the villagers’ discussions these past days?”
“I have heard some,” Xiao Xianyu replied.
The Taoist continued, “You saved people with kindness, yet the villagers judge you with suspicion. Are you still willing to risk yourself for them?”
Xiao Xianyu thought for a moment, then smiled.
The Decayed Wood Taoist looked at him, puzzled. “Why do you smile, young friend?”
Xiao Xianyu said, “If it’s as you say, risking my life for strangers seems very foolish.”
The Taoist nodded, saying nothing, waiting for Xiao Xianyu to continue.
“But,” Xiao Xianyu went on, “if I treat this experience as part of my training, perhaps it’s not so foolish after all.”
The Decayed Wood Taoist smiled in understanding.
Xiao Xianyu added, “Moreover, even among the villagers, some trust me. For their sake, I will do my utmost.”
The Decayed Wood Taoist burst into hearty laughter. “In that case, I have no worries.”
The two drank tea and conversed, and before they knew it, the sun was setting, and evening was approaching.
The Decayed Wood Taoist conjured a table of wine and dishes and said to Xiao Xianyu, “Let us feast, rest a while, and then set out!”
Xiao Xianyu readily agreed.
After dinner, the two meditated and cultivated.
Throughout, neither asked about the other’s level of cultivation.
Yet, when they practiced together, spirit energy gathered around Xiao Xianyu like mist, condensing swiftly, which amazed the Decayed Wood Taoist. He thought to himself, “So young, and already his master has sent him down the mountain for training. His cultivation must far surpass his age.”
In the Immortal Path, the levels are: Qi Training, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Divine Transformation, Unity, Void, Great Ascension, and Tribulation Crossing—nine major realms.
Each major realm has nine layers.
The Decayed Wood Taoist, though unable to discern Xiao Xianyu’s exact realm or judge by appearance, still could speculate.
In his view, Xiao Xianyu had already entered the Qi Training realm, and must have surpassed the fifth layer.
Though it differed from his initial expectations, Xiao Xianyu’s resolve deeply impressed and moved him.
Thus, the Decayed Wood Taoist had resolved to give it his all.
In the blink of an eye, only half an hour remained until midnight.
The Decayed Wood Taoist was the first to emerge from meditation, and Xiao Xianyu soon opened his eyes as well.
They exchanged glances, rose together, and walked out of the Earth God Temple.
…
The night was as dark as ink, stars and moon shrouded by thick clouds.
The Decayed Wood Taoist glanced at the sky. “Follow me,” he said.
He led the way, and Xiao Xianyu followed silently.
They headed east, soon arriving at a high ridge.
Despite the darkness, Xiao Xianyu’s vision was hardly hindered; he assumed the Decayed Wood Taoist was similarly unaffected.
He saw that the ridge was dotted with earthen graves—clearly a cemetery.
The sight made Xiao Xianyu’s spine grow cold.
The Decayed Wood Taoist said, “Find a hidden spot here and conceal yourself. Wait for my signal.”
He spoke only this brief instruction before hurrying away, without telling Xiao Xianyu what the signal was, or what he must do.
But Xiao Xianyu recalled what the Taoist had said three days before: when the time comes, I will naturally know what to do.
With that, he found a place to hide.
Even in hiding, he could clearly see the Decayed Wood Taoist in the distance, without using his spiritual power.