Chapter 52: Receiving Guests
Chapter 52: Receiving Guests
The scenery within the courtyard differed from the trio's expectations. It was serene yet casual, with each garden and pond uniquely designed but devoid of any spiritual energy fluctuations, unlike the residence of a powerful cultivator.
Mr. Zhuang also didn't match their mental image. While he possessed a handsome and experienced appearance, there seemed to be a certain quality missing that they had imagined he'd have.
Aunt Xue remained respectful, deep in thought. Before their departure, the Madam had shown her a portrait. In it, a man stood proudly atop a mountain peak, resembling a radiant immortal sword. His domineering aura made it almost impossible to look directly at the painting.
Now, Mr. Zhuang lay leisurely in a bamboo chair, swinging gently. He looked rather...lazy.
If it weren't for the portrait, she would hardly believe it was the same person.
Despite her surprise, Aunt Xue dared not show any disrespect. She respectfully presented a token and a jade slip to Mr. Zhuang.
"The Madam asked me to give you this token and letter before we left. She said that you would understand upon seeing them."
Mr. Zhuang examined the token and the jade slip before letting out a soft laugh. "My dear junior sister, always causing me trouble, even in such a situation. She still remembers to involve me."
Mr. Zhuang turned to Aunt Xue, "If you have the chance, tell her this: a woman who schemes too much will only age herself."
Aunt Xue kept her head lowered, not daring to reply.
Mr. Zhuang then turned his attention to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi, nodding in approval. "Their talents are indeed exceptional, as expected of..." Mr. Zhuang trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Aunt Xue, unsure of what Mr. Zhuang was about to say, was nonetheless pleased by his praise of the children's talents. "Then, Mr...."
"I don't take direct disciples. They can be my registered disciples at most." Mr. Zhuang set down the jade slip. "If they wish to stay, they may, and if not, they can leave."
This outcome was within the Madam's expectations. Aunt Xue recalled her words before their departure:
"My senior brother is stubborn in nature. If he agrees to something, he will definitely do it, but if he doesn't agree, there's no point in begging. However, he has a soft heart, and once he relents, we can slowly work on him. If he won't take them as direct disciples, we can aim for registered ones. If that's not possible, even having them stay to pour tea would be good. As long as he feels a connection, he will eventually accept Zixi and Zisheng."
Aunt Xue quickly added, "To be accepted as a registered disciple by you, sir, is a heavenly opportunity. How could we not be willing?"
"Hmm," Mr. Zhuang nodded, "Then you may forgo the formalities. Just address me as 'Master,' and that will be enough."
Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi bowed and greeted him as their master.
Mr. Zhuang looked at the two children, his expression turning pensive.
He faintly recalled two young children, a handsome boy and a beautiful girl, bowing to an elderly man with white hair. He could still hear their childish voices, "Greetings, Master."
Mr. Zhuang snapped back to the present, a hint of self-mockery crossing his face. "I don't have many rules here. Their mother has some skill in formations, so she should have already taught them the basics. They are past the age of formation initiation and should have a good foundation. Let them study on their own, and if they have any questions, they can come to me. But remember, do not disturb me when I'm meditating."
"I have another registered disciple here, Mo Hua. You should have met him already. Get along with each other."
With that, Mr. Zhuang waved his hand dismissively. "You may go now. Climb the mountain at dawn and descend at dusk. The rest of the time is yours. If you have any questions, go to Mo Hua."
Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi bowed and took their leave. The three of them exited the bamboo house and stepped into the courtyard.
Aunt Xue felt that things had gone more smoothly than expected, perhaps even too smoothly.
She was also puzzled as to why Mr. Zhuang had refused to see them before but now, after some time, was not only willing to meet them but also readily accepted Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi as his apprentices.
Aunt Xue furrowed her brow, deep in thought. "Could it be that Mr. Zhuang truly acts according to opportunity, as Mo Hua said? If he didn't see us before, it was because the opportunity hadn't arrived, and now that he has, the opportunity has presented itself?"
As she walked, Aunt Xue spotted Mo Hua sitting under the large elm tree, poring over a formation book with great concentration.
She believed that there must be something extraordinary about Mo Hua for Mr. Zhuang to accept him as a disciple. Bai Zixi and Bai Zisheng were also curious about what Mr. Zhuang taught his disciples.
The three of them approached Mo Hua and found him completely engrossed in a formation book.
Mo Hua, who had been focused on his reading, looked up at the sound of their approach and saw that it was Bai Zisheng and his sister.
"I'm not some young master; just call me Mo Hua. And if anyone deserves thanks, it's Mr. Zhuang; it has nothing to do with me," Mo Hua waved his hand dismissively.
At that moment, Bai Zisheng, who had been quietly observing, couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. He asked, "The book you're reading... is it 'An Introduction to the Five Elements Array Technique'?"
Mo Hua nodded.
Bai Zisheng's confusion grew. "You've been studying under Mr. Zhuang, and you're only up to this point? This is the book our tribe uses to introduce three and four-year-old children to arrays..."
Mo Hua was a little displeased. He didn't mind the criticism directed at him, but he wouldn't tolerate anyone questioning Mr. Zhuang.
"Then was this book written by a three or four-year-old child?" Mo Hua countered.
Bai Zisheng paused, "No, that's not the case. Although these foundational array books seem simple, they are compiled by accomplished array masters due to their significant implications."
"Since they are compiled by accomplished array masters, why shouldn't I study them? The simpler something is, the more profound the principles it contains. The Dao is simple and unadorned, returning to the fundamental truth. Even high-level grand arrays are composed of the most basic array patterns," Mo Hua replied, imitating Mr. Zhuang's profound demeanor.
While Mo Hua's life experience was limited, he managed to capture a semblance of Mr. Zhuang's enigmatic aura, which was more than enough to impress Bai Zisheng.
Bai Zisheng's eyes widened as he finally understood, and his gaze toward Mo Hua softened.
However, a moment later, he frowned again and asked, "Your cultivation level is so low. You seem only two or three years older than me and Zixi, but you're only at the third layer of Qi Refinement. Normally, you should be at the fifth or sixth layer at least..."
Mo Hua found this person a bit annoying. He seemed to have more to say when he was well-fed, but when he was hungry and silent, he looked more agreeable.
Mo Hua didn't feel like entertaining him, so Snow Auntie interjected apologetically, "I apologize for Zisheng's blunt words. May I ask what a disciple of Mr. Zhuang needs to do?"
Bai Zisheng opened his mouth to argue, but a glance from Bai Zixi silenced him, and he swallowed his words.
Unbothered, Mo Hua replied, "There's not much to it. I just cultivate and study on my own, seeking guidance from Mr. Zhuang when he's available, but without disturbing his sleep."
Bai Zisheng asked, "Is Mr. Zhuang's mastery of array techniques truly exceptional? This place seems ordinary, without any special arrays. Usually, a residence belonging to an array master should be filled with intricate arrays, shouldn't it?"
Mo Hua turned the question back on him, "If Mr. Zhuang's array mastery isn't exceptional, why would you go through so much trouble to become his disciple?"
Bai Zisheng started to answer, "That's because..."
"Young Master!" Snow Auntie interrupted, and Bai Zisheng realized his mistake. He quickly covered it up, "Because I've only heard about it before and never witnessed it firsthand, so I wanted to ask you."
"Oh~" Mo Hua gave him a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable.
(End of Chapter)
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