Xuan Di rambled on.
Perhaps it was the temporary relief from his physical suffering that made him talkative.
He talked about descending into the Ancient Zombie tomb, where nine out of ten died, and only he survived. He spoke of the dangers within the tomb, of his regrets, and his own mistakes.
It was like reliving a lifeti’s mories at death’s door.
Xuan Di said, “Sir, I’ve talked too much. It’s probably because I haven’t spoken like this for too long, so I rambled. Please forgive .”
Chen Changsheng said, “Speak. I’m listening.”
Xuan Di smiled weakly, then continued.
“That day, Senior Brother bestowed upon the title of Daoist Priest of Zhenlong Mountain. None of the seventeen Taoist temples in Abyss River dared disrespect . I alone beca like a temple, gathering the reverence of the Mystic Gate across Abyss River unto myself.”
“Senior Brother did all this for . Pity he never knew I held no interest in such things. I smiled along—though my smile felt forced—yet it was the first ti I felt a sliver of peace since being afflicted with the Corpse Toxin.”
“Later, the dynasty changed…”
“Senior Brother was hanged in Shangjing City. Then people turned against . But I cared none for any of it. I rely ended up spending my remaining days in this dark cave. Little did I expect that during these years, the purple robe would beco sothing I… couldn’t forget.”
Chen Changsheng listened to his ramblings without interruption.
Xuan Di murmured on like this until he finally spoke of Wang Yu.
A child burdened with deep longing.
“Wang Yu…”
Xuan Di mumbled, “I didn’t want to take him in at first… I just thought it’d be a pity if a child like him went down the wrong path. That’s why I did.”
“Wrong path?” Chen Changsheng asked.
“It’s all about those two words… ‘longevity’.”
Xuan Di explained, “Wang Yu’s mother was chased out of her ho while young. She gave birth to him in the wilderness. But with no one to help, she passed away. Later, an old beggar took Wang Yu in. That beggar treated him well, raised him to age four despite their constant food struggles. But human strength has limits. The old man starved to death during a freezing thaw.”
“Four-year-old Wang Yu understood nothing. A kind soul saw him begging and took him into his manor. Five more years passed like this.”
“At nine, the manor’s master committed a grave offense. His wife and Wang Yu were exiled to Abyss River. The journey was bitter. When despair overca him, that good man collapsed and died along the way. His grief-stricken wife took her own life right before Wang Yu.”
“Young as he was, he’d witnessed too much parting and death. His yearning for longevity grew fierce.”
“He knocked on many Taoist temples, but none would accept him. Until I found him starving at the foot of Zhenlong Mountain.”
“I didn’t want him to follow my downward path, so I steered him toward righteousness. I made him understand: this isn’t how things turn out simply because one fails to live long.”
“Reasoning, martial arts, Divination… whatever I knew, I taught him it all.”
“But sotis I’d wonder… I kept feeling he might achieve what I never could.”
Xuan Di sighed, “Once I realized I was having such thoughts, I fell silent around him.”
“I understood it was wrong, yet thoughts of frustration kept stirring.”
Xuan Di looked up at Chen Changsheng, “Master, I beseech you…” he said with shaking fists clasped, “at the cost of my dignity, Xuan Di begs you this one thing. Look after my foolish disciple.”
“He doesn’t need grand achievents. Just… don’t let him end like .”
Chen Changsheng nodded, “No need to plead so seriously. It’s but a small matter.”
“Then I thank you.” Xuan Di bowed his head.
Chen Changsheng paused, then said, “But if he must also watch you fade before his eyes…”
Xuan Di smiled darkly. “A plan long ago was laid.”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “Good.”
Xuan Di’s murmurs ceased.
He seed lost, searching for more to say.
Ti here was unknown. Xuan Di was unsure how long he’d spoken, though it must’ve been two hours at least.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Beyond your disciple… have you other affairs?”
Xuan Di thought long, then shook his head. “No.”
Chen Changsheng said, “If you wish, I can bury your remains at Flowing Cloud Temple. Daoist Priest Hong and your junior brother… are there.”
Xuan Di sighed, “No… I’ve no face to return. Let not disturb my master and junior brother’s peace.”
Chen Changsheng spoke no more.
Xuan Di then asked, “Speaking of my junior brother…”
“Did all end well for him on the mountain?”
Chen Changsheng said, “Xuan Huang remained blissfully carefree.”
Xuan Di understood. He weakly smiled, “Good…”
“In the end… my junior brother lived most joyfully.”
“As it should be. As it ought to be.”
.
.
Chen Changsheng withdrew his hand.
Xuan Di slowly ca to.
The raw agony throughout his body slamd back into him. He nearly collapsed.
“Master!”
Wang Yu rushed forward, catching him.
Chen Changsheng glanced at Xuan Di. “I shall return in two days.”
Gingerly, barely mustering the strength, Xuan Di managed the faintest nod.
Wang Yu quickly helped him sit down.
“Master, Master…” Wang Yu’s voice trembled, “what did he do to you?”
Xuan Di parted parched lips, whispering, “An old friend… fear not.”
Relief washed over Wang Yu.
He turned swiftly toward the cave entrance. The Green-Robed Gentleman had already vanished.
Xuan Di, with a skeletal hand, reached out fumblingly to straighten Wang Yu’s purple robe sleeve.
“Master, I can do it,” Wang Yu said softly.
But Xuan Di’s trembling fingers kept picking weakly at the fabric.
Wang Yu felt his master’s touch growing light.
So terribly light. Barely there at all.
“Master…”
Wang Yu murmured.
Then ca Xuan Di’s whisper, thinner than air, “If hungry… just pawn it…”
Wang Yu froze. He knew. The robe.
“Master… I won’t beco pawn material,” Wang Yu said feebly.
Xuan Di struggled slightly, lips parting. “Silly… child…”
After those three words, silence fell heavily upon the cave.
Realization dawned wetly on Wang Yu. Tears spilled down his face like raindrops.
Xuan Di raised a wasting hand, blotting the wet path with a bony knuckle.
“It is ti… Master…”
“…ascends…”
“…to immortality.”
A sharp gasp escaped Xuan Di, ending in a raspy cough.
“Master, rest now!” Wang Yu choked urgently, tears flowing, “No more words! Please…”
But Xuan Di pressed his hand weakly aside. Shook his head. His preparations were done.
…
Chen Changsheng paused near the cave mouth.
Long monts passed before he sighed softly. His steps carried him away.
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