Chapter 007: Old Friends Gather to Discuss the Fragrance of the Dao, Myths of the Ages Speak of the Sword Immortal

Luo Yu glanced around, feeling a surge of excitement in his heart. This was his first experience attending a live storytelling event, and the thought of it made him even more eager.

Luo Yu rubbed his eyes and exclaimed, "Teacher, it seems that something is happening in the forest ahead."

Qian Ling'er laughed and said, "Then the rest belongs to me."

Luo Yu leaned forward and looked up at the Master, feeling puzzled in his heart: "Could it be that the teacher has eyes on the back of his head? How does he know about what is happening behind him?"

Just past noon, the scorching sun blazes like a poisonous fire, and the sea and sky are stifling as if trapped in a steamer

Upon seeing the two children, they were surprisingly engrossed in studying how to eat noodles! The master admonished, "Xiao Yu, Ling Er, why are you not quickly paying your respects to your Grandfather Guo?"

At this moment, Mr. Guo is eloquently narrating: "Through a thousand years of spring and autumn, and ten thousand generations of cultivation; the mountains and rivers are veiled in snow, filled with sorrow for the nation. How can the descendants find peace? The tales of the mountains and seas encompass the nine provinces! In the previous session, we discussed the spring and autumn hegemony of the mortal world of Yan and Zhao. Today, I shall speak of the mythical and eternal world of cultivation, and recount the tale of the Five Elements Sword Immortal who questions the world with his sword over the vast, tear-stained solitary sea..." Today, I shall speak of the mythical and eternal world of cultivation, and recount the tale of the Five Elements Sword Immortal who questions the world with his sword over the vast, tear-stained solitary sea...

... ...

However, there are no absolutes in the world; one only needs to observe Qian Ling'er sitting beside me, and it can be succinctly described as 'fast' when it comes to eating noodles! She is proficient in every technique—sucking, pulling, rolling, and blowing—executing them in a seamless and progressive manner. The most astonishing part is that there is not even a hint of an indecent sound!

In an instant, a wave of heat surged from all directions. Luo Yu squinted his eyes and glanced at the sky. After a brief moment, he raised his hand to shield himself from the blazing sun and sighed in frustration: "If only there were a lotus pond, I could have three 'lotus leaf hats' and a white lotus flower."

Confucius waved his hand and said: "What harm is there in this? Have you not heard that life is but a fleeting journey of countless years, and what meaning does it hold? Although I am in the twilight of my years, I still have my granddaughter by my side, and my young disciple carries on my teachings. What lament is there over the length of time or the inevitability of life and death?"

Suddenly, a melodious laughter, reminiscent of a clear bell, rang out! "~ How shameless, having been punished to stand for a while and still having red eyes."

As Mr. Guo's powerful voice gradually faded away, the Master had quietly led Luo Yu and the other person away from the teahouse

At this moment, the Master countered with a question: "Eons are distant, and the mountains and seas are vast. What do you say?"

At this moment, Qian Ling'er was rubbing her forehead and muttering, "It was clearly my grandfather who said that Xiao Yu is an idiot, so why is he hitting me?"

Qian Fuzi turned around and smiled at Old Guo, saying: "My dear brother, do not keep the audience waiting, please begin your lecture quickly. I too shall listen attentively, ha ha ~ ~ "

At this moment, the Master suddenly stopped upon hearing this, turned around to look at Luo Yu, who was currently disheveled, and with a dignified expression said: "The expectations of the people and the divine gaze, received from external light, are distinguished by comparison and manifest differently; this is the disparity in realms, and what is seen and known is naturally varied..."

Luo Yu and Qian Ling'er sat down obediently

Luo Yu slowed his pace, walking while muttering a comment to himself: "As I turn the corner, a faint aroma of tea wafts into my nose, refreshing and clarifying, truly living up to its name of 'Wen Dao Xiang'"

Qian Ling'er walked to the side behind the Master, peeking out half of her head, her phoenix eyes sparkling with laughter like crescent moons as she chimed in: "Grandfather is right, Xiao Yu is indeed an idiot, and a big fool at that"

Clearly, Qian Ling'er was quite dissatisfied with Luo Yu's procrastination. She grabbed his hand and rushed towards the teahouse. Luo Yu glanced at Qian Ling'er, then at the hand that was holding him, and could only jog along while shaking his head and smiling wryly

Upon seeing the two little ones, he expressed great fondness and, while speaking, he began to mockingly sigh: "Good, good, good, time flies and the children have grown so much, yet you and I are already gray-haired... we are indeed aging..."

The Master seemed to respond, yet also seemed not to respond, instead kicking the ball back. As for these absurd legends and tales, Luo Yu naturally had no desire to discuss them, but it was clear that Biao Qian Ling Er felt the same way.

Seeing this, the master stopped in his tracks, gazing at the proud and forward-looking Luo Yu. His serious expression instantly transformed into a smile of satisfaction as he stroked his beard and said: "Hui'er, Chi'er"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yu immediately put down his chopsticks, and with a swift motion, slurped up the last noodle from his mouth. He glanced at the Master and, seeing that the Master did not reprimand him, quickly bowed respectfully with Ling Er towards the old man, saying, "Luo Yu (Ling Er) pays respects to Grandfather Guo"

And the master had already risen, also smiling in return, while casually pointing to Luo Yu, who was 'interacting' with the noodles, saying: 'The main purpose of this outing is to let Xiao Yu see the world.'

Qian Fuzi seemed oblivious, not turning his head, only gazing thoughtfully at the empty storytelling table ahead.

Qian Ling'er, refusing to back down, stepped forward and said: "What about you? Here, do you want it?"

......

Luo Yu was immediately shocked and took a half step back, speechless, saying: "I!......"

Watching Luo Yu leap past him, clutching his head with both hands and desperately trying to evade Qian Ling'er, who was occasionally howling and wrestling, the teacher shook his head. He raised his hand and tapped each of their heads, causing them to instantly droop and obediently follow him. However, at this moment, Luo Yu's hair was disheveled and his expression was one of defeat, clearly unable to withstand the preemptive strike from Qian Ling'er. Just then, as the teacher's voice rang out ahead, Luo Yu's heightened vigilance instantly shifted from Qian Ling'er to the teacher, for the lesson was about to begin.

At this moment, Qian Ling'er had completely changed her previous demeanor, looking at Luo Yu with a mischievous smile, as if her face was emblazoned with the four characters 'plot succeeded.' Luo Yu's heart suddenly skipped a beat!

Oh

It is evident that for Qian Ling'er, the Master's 'explanation' is too obscure and profound. She then stuck out her tongue and followed behind, comfortably enjoying the cool shade that the Master provided.

Seeing that Ling'er was so fascinated, Luo Yu scoffed disdainfully and said, "Sister Ling'er, storytelling is naturally a verbal performance, meant to be fictional and entertaining, it is not to be trusted, not to be trusted."

The two elders spoke with laughter, sharing their own unique opinions

In a moment of inspiration, Luo Yu was moved by the scenery, softly singing along to the melody in his mind, while his already dimmed eyes gazed longingly at the banks of the clear river... as if the past were coming to life once more

Upon hearing the Master’s words, which seemed to be ordinary expressions of insight and comfort to others, Old Guo, however, looked at the innocent Luo Yu with a face full of surprise and doubt. Soon after, he regained his composure and, with a cheerful smile, patted the puzzled Luo Yu, nodding slightly at the Master as he said, "What you say is true, my old friend. It seems I must also find a place for my skills and this seal, for the future is destined to belong to them."

It is rare for the Master to laugh heartily, and this is the first time Luo Yu has witnessed it. It seems that their relationship is profound and certainly not merely one of nodding acquaintance

After a moment, the Master noticed that the surrounding tea patrons were all seated, each displaying an anxious expression as they waited. With a slight smile, he ceased his conversation and, with an apologetic demeanor, bowed to those around him, many of whom also rose to return the gesture.

He would never believe in 'immortals! gods! ghosts and monsters! Isn't that just superstition? What about the ancient practices of immortality and the likes of the Five Elements Sword Immortals? If they truly existed, how come we haven't seen even one? If they are so powerful, wouldn't an entire city or nation be reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye?

Upon seeing this, Qian Ling'er chuckled and said, "Fool, let's go, follow me to the tea house"

Do not act rashly, follow me to take a look.

Luo Yu was complaining to himself when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hair bun, unable to bear it any longer. He quickly grabbed the "claw" and cried out in pain, pleading, "Let go! Please let go!"

Having spoken, he briskly walked to the desk, placing the folding fan and the Nine-Square Seal on either side. He then bowed to the crowd and immediately sat down, holding the Nine-Square Seal and striking it down with force.

Seeing this, Qian Ling'er anxiously urged, "What is this about the fragrance of enlightenment? Grandfather did not say it like that. Hurry up, the teahouse is about to start the storytelling, we cannot miss it"

Luo Yu instantly returned to reality, quickly wiping away the traces of tears in his eyes. He furrowed his brows and glanced around, noticing that the surroundings had returned to normal, and he sighed inwardly. Recalling his homesickness, he looked at Qian Ling'er, who was holding a candied hawthorn stick in her hand and continuously making funny faces to show off to him. Instead of feeling annoyed, he felt a warmth in his heart.

At this moment, beside the viewing pavilion atop the tea house, Mr. Guo, with one hand holding the Nine-Square Seal and the other gently waving a folding fan, gazes reluctantly at the three figures slowly disappearing into the crowd, murmuring to himself: "Senior brother... safe travels..."

Regarding Luoyu's expression and reaction at this moment, Qian Ling'er was naturally very pleased. Thus, she confidently took Luoyu's hand and wove through the crowd. However, Luoyu could only smile wryly and follow her, thinking, 'I just mentioned living two lives, and in less than a moment, I've been outmaneuvered by this girl. In this way, sigh... I can't afford to lose face!'

Just at the moment of his triumph, the aged voice of Master Qian suddenly echoed.

Qian Ling'er was taken aback to see that he was not angry, but instead smiled at her. Just as she was momentarily stunned, unexpectedly, the amiable-looking Luo Yu quickly stepped closer to her, causing her to instinctively raise the candied hawthorn skewers in front of her as a shield. However, little did she know, Luo Yu, with a cunning smile, suddenly opened his 'giant mouth' and bit off the largest piece of the candied hawthorn skewers.

When the old man saw Master Qian, a glimmer of brilliance suddenly flashed in his eyes, and he then strode over, laughing heartily, "Old brother, it has been some years since we last met. What brings you here today?"

Upon turning past the archway at the intersection, Luo Yu caught a faint aroma of tea. Following the scent, he looked up to see a banner hanging on the second floor of a shop, inscribed with the words – "The Fragrance of Wisdom"

Luo Yu followed behind the Master, tidying her disheveled hair while listening to the lecture, and fending off the occasional sneak attacks from Qian Ling'er. Thus, the Master lectured, Qian Ling'er 'attacked', and Luo Yu listened while defending herself, unaware of how much she truly absorbed while multitasking...

As long as I am here, I can still provide you with shade and relief from the heat. But if I am no longer here, how will you cope under the blazing sun?

However, Qian Fuzi did not even glance, and raised his hand to tap Qian Ling'er on the forehead before continuing on his way. At the same time, a voice filled with the weight of years emerged from his mouth, resonating like a song or a chant: "As dusk falls, the mundane world and the secluded valley become a refuge, and the wise child inherits my foundation... The wise recognize their wisdom, while the foolish point to their folly, oh wise one, oh foolish one..."

Luo Yu scratched his disheveled hair, feeling troubled: "I am dull-witted and do not know." At the same time, he thought to himself, "Ha! You old fellow, you finally talked to me about the universe! Can this kid grasp the depth and height of it?"

Qian Ling'er, however, shifted her gaze slightly backward, casting a sidelong glance at Luo Yu, and then bowed her head in silence. Luo Yu, unaware of her actions behind him, was solely focused on how to respond to the teacher's question. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and under Qian Ling'er's curious gaze, he quickly walked to the teacher's front, striding confidently as he declared: "Regardless of the scorching sun or fierce winds, Xiao Yu will protect the teacher and Sister Ling'er for a lifetime of safety"

He patted his ears and shook his head, at this moment, Luo Yu began to doubt whether he had lost his hearing. However, the reality was frustrating. Faced with the 'cruel' reality, he could only humbly 'learn and seek advice' from Qian Ling'er.

Qian Ling'er saw that the teahouse was almost in sight, yet Luo Yu was only concerned with making comments and did not hurry to enter the building to escape the annoying heat

Mr. Guo said little more, only replying: "Elder brother, please sit quietly while I present my humble offering."

Grandfather, is what Grandpa Guo said about cultivating immortality and the Five Elements Sword Immortal true

After a moment, he pointed to the table and said, "Please sit."

The sound of the Nine Square Seal striking the table suddenly echoed, startling the four halls, and the surroundings fell into an immediate silence. The gazes of the crowd naturally converged upon his face, which seemed to have endured endless years.

After much effort, I swallowed a candied hawthorn and casually spat out four fruit pits from my mouth, savoring the familiar sweet and sour taste, which was truly unforgettable. Seeing that Qian Ling'er seemed to be swayed by my words and was not angry, Luo Yu felt much more at ease.

The universe, both grand and mundane, exists as both substance and convention, and thus it is grand; as both divine and obscure, and thus it is mundane. The grand and the mundane are indistinct, shaped by circumstances; without action and without self, it is the repository of the divine. All phenomena arise from you, perceived through sight, you possess both existence and non-existence, do you affirm or deny this?

Walking under the heat wave, he shielded himself from the blazing sun with his sleeve while continuously expressing his admiration to Qian Ling'er beside him. Qian Ling'er stole a glance, but as she noticed the sweat stains on Luo Yu's cheeks, a look of compassion gradually emerged in her eyes. Luo Yu, catching this out of the corner of his eye, pretended not to notice and merely wiped his forehead. Seeing this, Qian Ling'er furrowed her beautifully arched brows and immediately reached out to pull Luo Yu back behind her. At that moment, Luo Yu's lips subtly curled upward, feeling a sense of satisfaction within.

For some unknown reason, the weather has become increasingly hot. Luo Yu gazed at the lush pine trees on both sides, wishing he could immediately go there to escape the heat and seek coolness. Feeling the gusts of hot wind and looking at the green shade of the forest like a screen, he couldn't help but imagine, 'It must be very cool in the woods. Look, there are many people chatting and seeking shade, including farmers, porters, passing merchants, and yamen runners... Yamen runners!?'

At the moment when Luo Yu was cautiously engaging in a battle of wits with the noodles in the bowl, a frail yet spirited old man, clad in a gray long robe, stepped steadily into the tea house. Although the old man was aged and thin, his complexion was rosy like that of an infant. Observing his demeanor, one could sense an air of ethereal grace about him, evoking an involuntary sense of respect.

Upon arriving on the second floor and surveying the surroundings, Luo Yu quickly approached the teacher, who was not far ahead, and performed a bow, saying: "Teacher, your disciple has arrived"

Luo Yu observed that this old man not only knew the Master but also seemed quite familiar with him. Upon seeing the old man smiling, holding a folding fan in one hand and the Nine Square Seal in the other, he offered a formal bow to the Master.

Bang

Looking at the shredded meat noodles on the table, although extremely hungry, I still feel a sense of trepidation. The reason for this trepidation lies in the teachings of the Master regarding the etiquette of eating. The Master said, 'Do not speak while eating, and do not speak while sleeping. Even if the food is simple, such as plain rice and vegetable soup, or offerings of melons, they must be presented properly. If the seating arrangement is not correct, do not sit. When villagers drink wine, those with canes should leave; thus, they leave. When villagers perform the dance, they should stand in formal attire at the steps. When asking someone from another region, bow twice and see them off.' This means that one should not speak while chewing, as loud chewing sounds can disturb others' appetites, which is considered impolite. ... When it is time to sleep, one should go to bed on time and not make noise that disturbs others, as this is also impolite ... ? ... Luo Yu understands this and can comprehend it even more, but how can one eat noodles without making a sound? Is the teacher just itching to find reasons for punishment, deliberately trying to set me up? ... Luo Yu understands this and can comprehend it even more, but how can one eat noodles without making a sound? Is the teacher just itching to find reasons for punishment, deliberately trying to set me up?

Luo Yu was momentarily taken aback, suddenly realizing something! Just as she was about to step forward to snatch it, she unexpectedly stuck out her tongue and licked each candy ball!

The time of Wei is arguably the hottest part of the day, yet Master Qian still chooses to lead the sweating Luo Yu and Qian Ling'er out of the city. Since leaving Qingqiu Town, Master Qian has not spoken a word, but his shuffling footsteps seem to have quickened slightly. Luo Yu follows behind, enjoying the slight comfort of being shaded by the figure in front and accompanied by the shadow behind. However, suddenly, Qian Ling'er makes a sharp sideways move, and in his weakened state, he is unceremoniously pushed out of the slanted shadow behind Master Qian.

The three figures gradually disappeared into the crowd

Pointing towards the direction of the pine forest, Qian Ling'er immediately perked up upon hearing there was fun to be had. Just as she was about to step forward, however, the teacher reached out and pulled her back

Qian Ling'er seemed to be inquiring with lingering interest, her rosy little face brimming with anticipation. Meanwhile, Luo Yu silently followed behind with a look of disdain, inwardly scoffing, 'Cultivating immortality? What a load of nonsense.'

Qian Ling'er stared blankly at Luo Yu, who was vigorously swallowing while mumbling an excuse: "Teacher... um~ it's unfair. I am being punished to stand, yet you are eating candied hawthorn. You shouldn't look at me like that; this one was supposed to be mine..."

Qian Ling'er tugged at Luo Yu's top of the head, resembling a 'red bean bun', and argued incessantly, appearing quite exasperated, saying: "There is! There is! There is! There is indeed!"

Seeing Qian Ling'er take this action, Luo Yu was so astonished that he was left speechless! "You!"

Qian Ling'er pondered for a moment and then affirmed, "Ling'er believes there is. If there weren't, how could Grandpa Guo speak so vividly, as if he had witnessed it himself... Yes, indeed, there must be."