Mei Qing found it amusing to see the two of them vying to take him as a disciple, though in truth, he had already begun to consider his options.
If in the past Mei Qing could be considered a wealthy young gentleman who avoided worldly conflicts, his recent experiences—especially the suppression of his golden elixir, Bi Zhen being taken by Lu Bing, and the several near-death situations—had made him keenly aware of his current predicament.
Among cultivators, everyone talks about cultivating immortality, but the path is riddled with obstacles and peril. The most terrifying aspect isn’t the difficulty of the techniques or the power of heavenly tribulations, but the conflicts between cultivators themselves.
Wherever there are people, there is struggle. Although cultivators may seem to live in a different world compared to ordinary mortals, the intrigue and rivalry among them are often even more intense.
In cultivation, the essentials—methods, land, treasures, wealth, and companions—are all indispensable. No one cultivates to transcend the mortal realm with empty hands. Yet resources in the world are limited. To gain more resources and seize the advantage, ultimately depends on one’s strength. Among ordinary people, fights over food, land, and property often lead to bloodshed; in the cultivation world, conflicts are even more deadly, often resulting in complete annihilation of body and soul, with no room for mercy.
The deeper Mei Qing delved into the cultivation world, the more he realized the importance of strength. Why could various factions in the Yang family’s ancient mansion decide others’ fates with a few words? Why did Zhang Shisan dare to attack him without hesitation? It all boiled down to power backing them up. Now presented with an opportunity to find a master, gain a patron, and enhance his strength, Mei Qing had no intention of clinging stubbornly to outdated principles like a pedantic scholar. He was simply weighing his options to determine which path would bring him the greatest benefit.
Earlier, Mei Qing had deliberately stood up to Zhang Shisan, intending to fan the flames between Zhang and Master Ku. Now, seeing the two on the verge of a direct confrontation, he knew it was time to stop before things got out of hand. Otherwise, pushing too far might backfire.
Thinking this, Mei Qing plotted silently while stepping forward and giving a soft cough.
Zhang Shisan and Master Ku, who had been like two fighting roosters, immediately reacted to the sound, shifting their attention to Mei Qing. Master Ku smiled slightly, saying nothing, yet his meaning was clear: “Who else but me can guarantee a peaceful ascension without fear of heavenly tribulations? You’ve practiced the Six Aspects technique of my sect before—you know its strengths and weaknesses.”
Zhang Shisan grinned widely and said, “Mei Qing, you’ve always practiced Daoist arts. Would you really switch paths and join a Buddhist sect? A monkey turned monk isn’t a good monkey. Imagine having a golden hoop on your head—how awkward would that be?”
Mei Qing looked at the two with a worried expression. “Esteemed seniors, your kindness is deeply appreciated. I have always cultivated in solitude, and today’s opportunity to join a great sect is indeed a rare blessing. Yet I find it difficult to decide which path to take…”
As Zhang Shisan and Master Ku stared at him intently, Mei Qing sighed and continued, “Though I have no master, I have always practiced Daoist techniques. For future cultivation, following the Daoist path would be more natural and easier…”
At this, Zhang Shisan’s face lit up with joy, nodding repeatedly while smugly glancing at Master Ku’s anxious expression.
But Mei Qing suddenly shifted tone: “However, my cultivation of inner nature began with the Six Aspects method of Huayan. Master Ku’s guidance just now has shown me that wisdom from other schools can indeed be useful. My foundation in Daoist arts is solid, and if I were to study Buddhist techniques, perhaps I could integrate both paths and blaze a new trail.”
This statement immediately made Zhang Shisan’s face fall, as if he had eaten three bitter melons. Although Master Ku tried to maintain his dignified image, he couldn’t help but smile proudly.
Mei Qing continued, “Yet my Daoist partner and I are deeply in love. Entering a Buddhist sect with its strict precepts would be unbearable. Sigh! I’ve thought it through again and again, but I still can’t decide. I was thinking—”
Both Zhang Shisan and Master Ku leaned in eagerly. Zhang Shisan couldn’t wait to urge, “Well, what’s your decision?”
Mei Qing turned serious and said, “I must consult my wife first and follow her instructions.”
This statement left Master Ku speechless, Shi Mengzhu snorted in disbelief, and Zhang Shisan pounded his chest in despair, exclaiming, “Heavenly Lord of the Three Purities! You, a towering man, how can you fear your wife so much? This is a crucial matter—how can a woman have a say? Besides, you practice dual cultivation with your partner, so who else is there to boss you around?”
Mei Qing shook his head. “Though we call each other Daoist partners, our bond is deep. She won’t marry anyone but me, and I won’t take anyone but her. Isn’t that what makes her my wife? She has a fiery temper. If I take a master without consulting her, such a major decision—if she objects later and gets upset, what then?”
Shi Mengzhu looked incredulous, muttering something about “a hen crowing like a rooster.” Zhang Shisan was furious, lamenting, “What a pity! You have such extraordinary talent, yet you have a head that fears your wife.”
Master Ku simply smiled gently, sending a calm thought: “All beings are equal. There’s nothing wrong with listening to one’s wife. May I ask where your wife is? I’d like to meet her and speak with her.”
Zhang Shisan was momentarily stunned but quickly realized—if Mei Qing insisted on consulting his wife, persuading her might secure him as a disciple. He hadn’t expected this usually stoic monk to think so quickly. Considering the old monk’s gentle appearance and baby-like face, he was likely to win the trust of women. Although Mei Qing’s Daoist partner was a cultivator, she probably wasn’t that powerful. If the monk could sway her to agree, it would be a serious problem.
Still, Zhang Shisan wasn’t panicking. He laughed heartily and said, “Good apprentice, fearing your wife is natural! Our sect has many dual cultivators, and they all follow their partners’ arrangements. Only this monk, who’s never even seen a woman, wouldn’t understand the benefits of fearing your wife. Come on, let’s go meet your apprentice’s wife.”
He had been calling Mei Qing “apprentice” all along, and now even used the term “apprentice’s wife,” clearly confident of claiming him.
Sighing, Mei Qing said sorrowfully, “Esteemed seniors, you don’t know the whole story. My wife has been taken by a villain, and we’ve been separated…”
“What?! Who dares to snatch my apprentice’s wife? He must be tired of living!” Zhang Shisan’s face darkened with anger. “Tell me who he is, and I’ll go beat him up and bring your wife back—even his wife if necessary!”
…Maybe not his mother-in-law, though, Mei Qing thought to himself. Aloud, he quickly recounted his story, carefully omitting details about Lu Bing. He said only that her father opposed their relationship, had taken Zhen’er away, and hidden her location. He mentioned that they could only communicate through spiritual connection. He added, “Of course, one must obey parental decrees, so I dare not act rashly. But our love runs deep—how could I ever let go? My only hope is to rescue Zhen’er. If my master can help me save her, and she agrees, I would gladly be your apprentice—even your servant.”
“This old wretch dares to separate true lovers! He must be blind!” Zhang Shisan fumed. “Whoever can subdue you must have some skill, but he’s met his match in me. Let’s go now and rescue your wife, and then you can officially become my apprentice.”
As he spoke, Zhang Shisan radiated killing intent, his true energy surging, ready to storm the enemy’s doorstep.
Master Ku acted even faster. He grabbed Mei Qing and headed for the door, clearly broadcasting his thoughts: “Please wait a moment. I’ll take my disciple to rescue the girl and return shortly.”
“What are you doing? Are you getting used to snatching him now?” Zhang Shisan appeared beside them in a gust of wind, grabbing Mei Qing’s arm: “He’s my apprentice!”
“He is mine…”
“My apprentice…”
“Mine…”
“…Could you two be a little gentler? At this rate, you’ll end up with only half an apprentice each,” Mei Qing groaned, feeling dizzy from being pulled back and forth. “I don’t even know where my wife is yet.”
“Ah?…” The two finally let go and listened carefully as Mei Qing explained that Zhen’er’s location was unknown.
“Now that’s a problem,” Zhang Shisan frowned. “Since you can connect with her through spiritual sense, she must be somewhere near the capital. But if she doesn’t know her own location, the place is likely protected by a formation, making it hard to track her down. What do we do now?”
“This matter cannot be rushed. When the time is right, things will resolve themselves,” Shi Mengzhu, seeing the two eager to rush out immediately, advised. “Why not deal with the matter here first, and then the two of you can accompany Mei Qing to rescue his partner? That would be more efficient.”
Reluctantly, the two agreed. Mei Qing exhaled in relief and said, “In my opinion, there must be some conspiracy behind this. Unfortunately, my Daoist techniques are still lacking, and I can’t be of much help…”
“That’s easy,” Zhang Shisan interrupted. “Even though you haven’t officially joined my sect, you’re already my apprentice. Learning basic Daoist techniques isn’t too hard—I’ll teach you right away!”
Master Ku directly sent a thought: “The Six Aspects method has some subtleties. Allow me to guide you first…”
Shi Mengzhu could only shake his head. Hou Shen, who hadn’t spoken since entering the room, watched with wide eyes, secretly entertained. He had always regarded Master Mei as a refined scholar, but never expected him to be so cunning, skillfully maneuvering two powerful cultivators into vying to teach him Daoist techniques with just a few words.
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