Chapter 25: I Have Been Awaiting You for a Long Time

Time flies like a fleeting shadow.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

At Zangdao Peak, within the Scripture Pavilion.

An elderly Taoist with white hair rose and walked to the bookshelf. Having just returned the Taoist scripture he had finished reading to its place, he drew out a new book when his ears twitched, catching the sound of familiar footsteps.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs echoed, and a figure with a square, imposing face appeared—stern yet calm, none other than the Sect Leader, Xuan Xu.

Xuan Ming was surprised.

This elder was busy with many affairs yet understanding and considerate.

Unlike other Taoists who would seldom visit the Three Treasures Hall without cause, rarely disturbing his solitude, he came now.

After exchanging respectful bows, the two Taoists sat across from each other at the table. The kettle on the brazier boiled, releasing swirling white steam.

Xuan Ming reached out to pour tea, but unexpectedly, Xuan Xu was quicker, lifting the teapot and attentively brewing the tea.

Warming the cups, measuring the tea, adding water, pouring the brew—

His movements were skillful, smooth, and natural.

His expression serious and focused, his aura gentle and serene.

Xuan Ming was accustomed to this scene.

Each generation of Taoists at Qiuzhen Temple had their own traits.

Xuan Kong enjoyed good food, Xuan Yang favored fine wine, Xuan Tong loved wealth, Xuan Yin preferred cultivating herbs.

Xuan Xu, like himself, had a fondness for tea.

In the past, they had shared many tea sessions.

Every time, Xuan Xu took the initiative to prepare the tea, exhibiting great tact and a deep understanding of social graces.

Once the tea was ready, Xuan Xu handed the first cup to Xuan Ming, keeping the second for himself.

Taking a light sip of the clear tea, Xuan Ming began, “Junior Brother, have you come for the Chen family, or do you have other matters in mind?”

As the tea slid down, bitter then sweet, Xuan Xu’s face showed comfort and ease. Hearing the question, he was not surprised.

Xuan Ming, wise as ever, had recently been troubled only by matters concerning the Chen estate. Even without thinking, it was easy to guess that his purpose was likely linked to the Chen family.

Xuan Xu did not beat around the bush and spoke frankly: “Senior Brother, the old patriarch of the Chen family personally ascended the mountain today. Indeed, the Chen clan harbors other intentions.”

Raising an eyebrow, Xuan Ming gestured for him to continue. Receiving the signal, Xuan Xu spared elaborate details, focusing on key points and priorities, briefly recounting the events.

“The Chen family desires a seat in the Heaven and Earth Academy.”

“They hope our Qiuzhen Temple will yield one.”

“Although the Chen patriarch was candid, sincere, and earnest this time, I still declined.”

“With many wolves and little meat, our Qiuzhen Temple barely has enough seats for ourselves, how could we give one to outsiders?”

“Moreover, the Chen family already holds a seat in the Qian Kun Tower yet remains unsatisfied, somewhat greedy.”

———

Xuan Ming did not immediately comment but lowered his head in thought.

Xuan Xu, perceptive, refrained from interrupting.

They silently sipped tea, patiently waiting.

After several breaths, Xuan Ming asked, “Qiuzhen Temple has twice spurned the Chen family’s face; I fear a rift may arise between the two houses.”

“People’s hearts are inscrutable; we must prepare early, brace for the worst, lest we be caught unawares.”

Hearing this, Xuan Xu agreed: “Senior Brother’s words are well taken.”

“I too intend to act accordingly.”

A trace of apology crossed Xuan Xu’s face as he said, “However, yesterday while studying the Yin-Yang Foundation chapter, I gained some insight. Such an opportunity is rare and must not be missed. I fear I must enter seclusion for some time, thus disturbing your peace.”

“Senior Brother’s power is formidable, the strongest in Qiuzhen Temple. During this period, I must trouble you to guard Qiuzhen Temple and watch for the Chen family’s moves.”

“Before I emerge from seclusion, it’s best if all remains peaceful. But if trouble arises, do not hold back.”

“Those who offend Qiuzhen Temple shall be cut down without mercy.”

As Xuan Xu spoke, he rose to leave.

Just as he prepared to bow, Xuan Ming stopped him.

“Junior Brother, you are too formal.”

“There is no need for such ceremony between us.”

“Besides, I am also a member of Qiuzhen Temple.”

“Protecting the sect is only right.”

“Even if you were not here, should Qiuzhen Temple face danger, I would act to help.”

Upon hearing this, Xuan Xu realized he had overstepped.

Noticing a flicker of displeasure on Xuan Ming’s face, he apologized and ceased his formalities.

———

Resettling, Xuan Xu reminded, “Senior Brother, born and raised on this mountain, you have not descended for sixty years and are unaware of the world’s dangers.”

“Beneath the mountain, human hearts are complex; up here, things are simpler.”

“Family powers hide filth and corruption; no matter how sordid behind the scenes, appearances remain spotless.”

“Competing for a seat is shameful; if word leaks, it only invites ridicule and damages reputation. Should the Chen family harbor resentment and plan coercion or extortion, they will likely act covertly.”

“To avoid being framed after eliminating foes, we must be vigilant.”

“During this time, I hope you carry the projection stone. If the Chen family, driven to desperation, attempts to sully Qiuzhen Temple’s name—”

Setting down his teacup, Xuan Ming stroked his beard and nodded.

“Junior Brother, rest assured.”

“I will not give the Chen family any opening.”

“If they give up, fine. If they try to seize by force, I will ensure they come but do not return.”

With these words, Xuan Xu was completely at ease.

In the days that followed, this Sect Leader asked many questions about Yin-Yang doctrines. Xuan Ming answered all earnestly, without reservation.

From a position of strength, his voice carried far. He was broad-minded and generous with guidance, not petty or stingy, but magnanimous.

———

Besides his open nature, Xuan Ming knew this well:

His fate was intertwined with Qiuzhen Temple’s honor and disgrace.

The more prosperous the sect, the smoother his cultivation would be; the higher Junior Brother Xuan Xu’s attainment, the more peace he could enjoy.

If Junior Brother became a true immortal, the Scripture Pavilion’s collection would grow ever richer.

This was mutual benefit.

Handled wisely, they would advance side by side.

Many matters need not be led by him on stage; the many Taoists of Qiuzhen Temple could settle them—resources, training grounds, and more.

With law, land, companions, and wealth, the sect’s Taoists were his companions on the cultivation path, journeying alongside for a time.

When they lagged behind, it would be the turn of the younger disciples like Chang Ning and Chang Anzi, who possessed superior foundations.

Generation after generation, advancing hand in hand.

An hour later, Xuan Xu departed.

As Sect Leader, his affairs were many and responsibilities great; before entering seclusion, he had much to delegate.

Watching Xuan Xu’s receding figure, Xuan Ming smiled, recalling his reminders.

A clever Sect Leader with many plans was a blessing indeed; the better he was, the more stable Qiuzhen Temple would be, and the easier Xuan Ming’s own path.

No fear of an excellent Sect Leader, only of one foolishly reckless. For now, Xuan Xu was most competent.

Finishing the remaining tea, Xuan Ming cast aside distracting thoughts, calming his mind, and resumed perusing the Taoist scriptures.

The fragrance of books filled the serene surroundings.

He quickly settled into a state of immersion, pondering the words, seeking the essence, discarding the dross, making it his own. Using the Taoist canon as fertile soil and nourishing rain, he cultivated and nourished his Dao seed.

———

That night, Xuan Xu entered seclusion.

Three days later, at Zangdao Peak, Chang Anzi focused on Yin-Yang methods, rebuilt his Dao foundation, and advanced to the second realm.

Five days later, Xuan Su, having gleaned insights from the Yin-Yang Foundation chapter, also entered seclusion.

Seven days later, Xuan Ming completed a minor breakthrough in the Five Thunder Righteous Method.

On the eighth day, under a dark and windy night.

At midnight, when all was silent, a figure slipped into Floating Cloud Mountain, heading straight for Zhenxuan Peak.

After the time of a single tea, sword light flickered.

Watching a dark-clad shadow retreat several steps, Xuan Ming stretched lazily and rose from the treetop.

White hair fluttered, robes billowed.

He stood with his sword on his back, withdrawing the sword finger.

His aura surged like a long-dormant volcano erupting, like stormy waves crashing.

He sealed off the surroundings, blocking the black-clad man’s retreat.

With a leisurely voice, he said:

“Old Chen, I have been waiting for you a long time.”