While we were eating, I couldn’t help but ask cautiously, “Master, if we have money now, why are we still heading into the depths of this remote mountain?”
“What do you mean?” he asked without lifting his gaze from his plate.
“I mean…” I hesitated, unsure if I should continue.
Zijing helped me arrange the firewood in the stove and said casually, “You were right earlier. I do have enemies. A real grudge.”
I was stunned, holding the firewood. His words only deepened my unease.
“They’ve probably already received word of my whereabouts. They’ll come to investigate during the night. I’ll leave by dawn—this place isn’t safe, and I can’t stay long.”
…
It was difficult to believe. Throughout the year, Zijing wandered freely. He rarely stayed in one place, and it wasn’t because he was chasing peace—it was because he was avoiding people. Could this man, who appeared so calm and composed, truly carry the weight of such grievances? What kind of enemies were these that even someone like Zijing had to evade them?
He noticed my hesitation and smiled faintly, a slight hint of mockery in his tone. “What’s wrong? Are you scared? Do you regret following me as your master?”
“No way!” I immediately shook my head, my voice resolute. “Even if enemies do come, I’ll follow Master wherever you go. If you leave, I’ll guard the rear and keep them at bay!”
Zijing squinted slightly at me, then wordlessly turned his gaze away, lazily grabbing a fish and placing it on the fire. I watched as he began grilling it. He ate without hurry, occasionally glancing at me. My heart raced under his gaze, unsure what he was looking for.
“Have you been watching me the whole time?” Zijing suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Caught off guard, I stammered, “Master, you seem to be in a good mood today.”
He raised an eyebrow, paused his meal, and turned slightly toward me. After some thought, he finally said two words: “You’re amusing.”
After a pause, he added, “You’ve been with me for so long, but why do you still act like you’re afraid? Do you regret leaving your family and coming out to wander the world with a cultivator like me?”
I shook my head firmly, my face heating up. It was clear that Zijing had already figured me out, but I couldn’t bring myself to admit it outright. So, I replied as calmly as possible, “Master, I’m not tired of this at all.”
This answer wasn’t entirely truthful, but I thought it was enough to end the conversation.
Unexpectedly, Zijing laughed softly. Though he didn’t say much, his expression seemed to hold a deeper meaning. Finally, he asked, “Can you brew tea? What kind, and how good are you at it?”
I looked at him, puzzled. “Tea? I can brew it, but nothing exceptional. Why do you ask?”
Zijing leaned back lazily and replied, “Bring some later. After all, it might be the last time we sit like this together for a while. The world is vast, but opportunities like this are rare.”
I was taken aback by his words. His tone was light, but the weight behind them hinted at something far more serious than I had expected.
Zijing said nothing, only: “…”
Eventually, we finished our meal. I shared stories while eating the fish, and amid the conversation, I accidentally blurted out my intention. “I hope to learn something from you, Master, even if it’s just one technique or style. That way, I won’t feel as though I’ve left with nothing, even if this time turns out to be short.”
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