"Did you hear the conversation I just had with Elder Wu?" The Observatory Master looked at Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.
"You should stay at the Daoist Temple from now on." The Observatory Master stared at Zhang Chen, countless thoughts flashing through his mind: "Our Huangli Temple won’t let you starve. If you can learn some skills to rely on here, in the future, when the world falls into chaos, you won’t starve to death."
At this point, the Observatory Master looked at Zhang Chen, his voice gentle, "Are you willing to?"
"I am willing. I am willing to take you as my mentor; please accept me as your disciple." Zhang Chen was quick to respond, sensing that the Observatory Master did not seem like a bad person, promptly offering a respectful bow.
The Observatory Master shook his head at these words, "From now on, you will practice alongside Chengyu."
"Whether by talent or skills, Chengyu is more than capable of teaching you," the Observatory Master explained, "Chengyu is a rare genius, having already mastered the power of Huajin and even developed the subtle transformation mastery, achieving control with his heart. He is one of the most outstanding talents of our Huangli Temple. With a pure heart, he stands out among our three thousand disciples and will surely break through to See God."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen glanced at the young Xiaodouding next to him, only reaching his thigh, with two ponytails standing upright, skin as fair and delicate as milk, with cake crumbs at the corners of his mouth — an unlikely appearance for a master.
"Chengyu, he will be your junior brother in the future. You will teach him martial arts and guide him in reciting scriptures," the old Daoist said to Xiaodouding, reminding, "Teach him well; do not lead him astray."
"He’s my junior brother now?" Xiaodouding’s eyes lit up as if recalling something amusing. Xiaodouding then crossed his arms, mimicking an adult demeanor, and said grandiosely, "Junior brother, follow me from now on. I will teach you selflessly, cultivate you into our Daoist Temple’s pillar."
Listening to Xiaodouding, especially seeing the crumbs still on Xiaodouding’s face, Zhang Chen was speechless for a moment, feeling amused yet helpless.
"Zhang Chen greets Senior Sister Chengyu, and I ask for your care in the future," Zhang Chen said helplessly.
Chengyu nodded seriously, intending to pat Zhang Chen on the shoulder but could only reach his chest despite standing on tiptoe, which made her pout, feeling her dignity was entirely gone, yet she kept a facade of calmness, "Hello, Junior Brother! Follow Senior Sister, and I guarantee you’ll See God and remain Unbreakable in the future."
The old Daoist glanced at the playful Chengyu and then at Zhang Chen, "What is your name?"
"Disciple Zhang Chen," Zhang Chen replied promptly.
"Got it," the old Daoist nodded, solemnly reiterating, "You’re smart. Remember, do not leave the mountain! Do not leave the temple!"
Zhang Chen understood the meaning behind the speaker’s words.
He had to admit that his perception of the Yellow Heaven Dao had changed significantly.
"Chengyu, you will live with Zhang Chen and let him take care of your daily needs. Escort him to settle down and teach him his daily lessons," the old Daoist said unhurriedly.
Chengyu nodded, her face stern. Turning to Zhang Chen, she said, "Look at your ragged clothes! What a disgrace to our Huangli Temple’s prestige. Let me take you to wash up and get you some new clothes and a badge."
As she spoke, the little girl grabbed Zhang Chen by the sleeve and led him to the gate.
Watching Zhang Chen and Chengyu’s retreating figures, the Observatory Master shook his head, "Truly, both of them were destined to meet."
After they walked away, Elder Wu reappeared in the great hall, and the Observatory Master immediately bowed, "Greetings, Master."
Elder Wu scrutinized the Observatory Master, noting his disciple’s honest farmer-like demeanor, looking simple and guileless. This face was too deceptive; without inside knowledge, anyone would be deceived.
"Liu Feng!" Elder Wu said slowly.
"Disciple here," the Observatory Master responded promptly.
"Since when have you grown a soft heart?" Elder Wu asked with a smile.
The Observatory Master was startled, quickly kneeling, "Master, I only feel that the boy got caught up in this unintentionally; it’s not a matter of life or death as long as he remains inside the Daoist Temple. There’s no need to take his life, besides, I did see him in the mountains, just a hunter’s child, certainly not going to ruin our plans."
Elder Wu remained silent, observing Liu Feng pleading on his knees. After a long time, he asked, "How much do you know about the boy?"
Liu Feng confidently patted his chest, "I know everything! When you sent me to explore the source of the Walking Flood Dragon, I already acquainted myself with the boy and did thorough research."
He relayed the gathered information as easily as pouring out beans, prompting Elder Wu to show a hint of astonishment, "Is it that simple?"
"Yes, just that simple," Liu Feng answered respectfully.
Elder Wu scratched his chin, inwardly dubious, "Could it be that I misjudged? That shouldn’t be!"
Zhang Chen had worn a mask at that time, judged only by figure and movements.
Liu Feng cautiously watched his master in thought, noticing his ponderous silence. He hurried to add, "The main reason is, when I saw him, there was an inexplicable familiar feeling, as if seeing my deceased son — a strange sense of kinship. If my son were alive, he would be about the same age."
"Since you’ve taken a liking to him, nurture him well. Maybe he will be an asset to our Yellow Heaven Dao," Elder Wu remarked meaningfully, heading to the door again.
Liu Feng gazed at his master’s retreating figure, equally puzzled: Didn’t he understand his master’s temperament? Logically, the boy should have been eliminated by his master by now; why was his master so lenient today?
His master was always meticulous, preferring to err on the side of caution — ’better to kill a thousand than miss one.’ He’d thought that pleading to save the boy would cost him dearly, but found he’d overthought, his master casually letting it slide.
"How strange! Why does my master seem odd today?" Kneeling on the prayer mat, Liu Feng watched his master’s back, finding something amiss.
Meanwhile, Zhang Chen, led by Xiaodouding by the sleeve, looked as though a father led his daughter as they exited the hall.
"I almost thought it was my end today!" Once they were out of sight, Xiaodouding, still shaken, glanced back at the hall, repeatedly patting her chest.
Zhang Chen glanced at Xiaodouding, calm. At worst, he could feign death.
"Aren’t you scared?" Xiaodouding suddenly asked, looking up with big, clear eyes assessing Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen shook his head, "No."
"Why not?" Xiaodouding was bewildered.
"Just not afraid," Zhang Chen replied with a smile. Looking at the adorable Xiaodouding, he couldn’t resist patting her head.
However, this act immediately made Xiaodouding angry, her eyes filled with rage, "Disrespectful! I am your senior sister; how dare you disrespect me?"
Zhang Chen couldn’t help but pinch the little one’s chubby cheeks, wiping away the cake crumbs at her mouth’s corner.
Seeing the cake crumbs on Zhang Chen’s fingertips, Xiaodouding’s spirit deflated, seemingly realizing her maintained dignity was undone by those crumbs entirely, leaving her like a defeated rooster, dejectedly walking ahead.
"What’s the matter?" Zhang Chen asked curiously, looking at Xiaodouding.
(P.S.: After so much, finally embarking on the path of cultivation, the world unfolds slowly. The protagonist’s unique path of cultivation will soon unveil. The battle of wits and brawn with Elder Wu and the reincarnated Zhang Shicheng begins, and various plots start to unfold.)