Just at dawn, just at mealtime, many disciples were in the cafeteria, having simple congee and side dishes, white rice buns and vegetarian baozi.
I've eaten at least five people's portions, and only then do I feel a bit full.
The cafeteria was brimming with disciples, and they kept glancing at me with an expression of astonishment that they couldn't contain.
Having another bowl of plain rice porridge, I finally felt like I could sit down and rest.
The way is correct.
My previous state should be a form of fasting.
This doesn't seem like something a normal person would do.
Perhaps, the practice of fasting by Taoist monks is not a conscious choice, but rather a state of meditation that prevents them from waking themselves up?
After leaving the cafeteria, there were several Taoist monks waiting outside, and the leader was Xiang Ke.
"Little Uncle, the Master is waiting for you at the Upper Clearing Hall."
What Xiang Ke said was naturally about He You Tian.
Xian Yan still referred to the Grand Master as such out of habit. For disciples, it was important to adhere strictly to their rank and titles.
"Um." Nodding, I straightened up and walked directly towards the direction of the Upper Clearing Hall.
Although Xiang Ke and the others were still leading the way in front of me, I could still sense some differences. Clearly, there was a gap between Xiang Ke and me.
Was it because of our different positions or because our strengths had grown increasingly distant?
He has gradually treated me like a senior in the sect, no longer as a friend, just like the other disciples.
This matter is difficult to reverse.
I clearly felt a change in my mood. In the past, I would definitely have gone to talk with Xiang Ke for a while. Now, I feel that this might be more comfortable for him.
There's no need to change someone else's feelings because of my own.
We soon arrived at the Upper Clearing Hall.
I saw not only He You Tian, Xian Yan, and many elders.
There was also another person.
Han Jin!
But Han Jin was still wearing a plain white Taoist robe. Because of its long age, the color had faded and become worn out. I couldn't understand why he didn't want to change it.
Xian Yan's attire remained unchanged, but she now wore a veil over her face, no longer showing her appearance.
The moment He You Tian and I locked eyes, I finally felt at ease. However, his face changed again, appearing surprised and shocked.
And there were even more facial expressions of surprise among the other elders.
The way they looked at me was filled with a trace of reverence... yes, reverence! And there was also a trace of shiver.
Why?
Old Gong knows it, and I know it too. My strength is still half a step away from achieving true immortality?
Is there any other change about me?
"Appearing as a Deity, Xian Yan said that you went to the Thunder God Cliff. The disciples also said that you went there, but they saw you coming out, so where did you go?"
He You Tian's tone had a slight sense of urgency.
I told the truth without any concealment.
Of course, the words I spoke only included the events themselves, without any personal judgment from Old Gong.
"Ah, that makes sense!" One elder sighed: "No wonder, no wonder the moment I saw Little Uncle, it gave me a feeling as if I was seeing the portrait of the Ancestral Master Ermi. It was because the Master had possessed him, it was because of the aura, it was because…… the highest virtue is like water……"
"The classics record that Master Ermi attained enlightenment by the stream and then passed away on Thunder God Cliff."
"He, enlightened Little Uncle! This is a great joy!"
"But why…… Little Uncle, you haven't crossed the barrier?" Another elder spoke up, his eyes filled with confusion again.
The eyes of the others were also filled with deep regret, and someone said, "Just a little bit, the Four Rules Mountain would have four immortals..."
"Alright, Little Uncle is doing well. You shouldn't add any pressure on him. The Master Ermi himself has plans for Little Uncle." He You Tian spoke in a low tone.
Everyone was then quieted down.
"By chance, Master Han Jin's ancestor just came out of the ancestral hall today. He doesn't want to see many disciples, only the elders. You, Little Uncle, happened to be here, so I had someone immediately call you," He You Tian said.
It clicked for me now.
I actually thought that Han Jin had been out for several days because of my disappearance and reappearance, which brought all of them together.
It seems that He You Tian has convinced everyone to put the Bai family matter aside for the time being.
Just, Master Han Jin would certainly not be aware of the situation in Wu Ling.
The only people who know the situation in the arena are me, Xian Yan, and He You Tian.
"You, come here." Han Jin gestured towards me.
I took a deep breath and walked to him in front of me.
Facing Han Jin at close range, his facial features appeared even more prominent, with no hair or facial hair.
I could even see something like a white, waxy substance moving in his eyes.
Han Jin recovered by himself, and he had not yet drank the Tian Gong Quan Spring!
"You, are indeed not afraid."
He suddenly stood up and moved much closer to me, his entire face almost touching mine.
Particularly his eyes, they were almost as if they were going to collide with mine!
Zhong Shitai, calling out to come out!
Our eyes met, and my intuition told me that the worm was about to jump out and land in my eye.
Han Jin's breath became somewhat rough, and his eyeballs started to turn red, as if they were about to be dominated by anger.
I slowly closed my eyes and waited for a while. After a long time, Han Jin reopened his eyes, looking at me with deep contemplation.
"Because of the Tian Gong Quan Spring, you are completely unafraid of the three Corpse Worms, just as the rumors said."
"However, because of the three Corpse Worms, you find it difficult to pass this stage. Therefore, even if the Master Ermi is in your body, you are still not a true immortal."
Han Jin's words cut to the point!
The other people in the room all subtly changed color!
Actually, the things I wrote down were definitely taken back by He You Tian. However, the elders didn't realize it.
"The blood of the Han lineage has run dry, this is the cost."
"However, there is still a trace of the Bai lineage's bloodline left outside. Due to chance, you have left behind a descendant's soul, and I should thank you for that."
"Han Qū told me many things. He said that you have a relationship with Han Ma, and that you have done many things for him. That's good. That's why you have a connection with Four Rules Mountain, and you can stand in the door of the mountain."
"I plan to go and look for Wu Ling."
"It's to settle a matter of my heart."
Han Jin's words made all the elders in the room smile.
He You Tian's eyelid twitched slightly.
In my heart, however, there was a jolt, and my heart tightened abruptly!
The elders all praised and complimented without exception, saying that it was fortunate for Four Rules Mountain.
But I knew it wasn't that simple.
Before, I was worried that this matter couldn't be explained, that Han Jin would protect Wu Ling, just like what Mao You San said. Now, however, it is completely different and opposite!
What we say is ineffective.
What Han Qū says is most effective!
Han Jin knows about Wu Ling's problems and believes everything!
The elders still don't know this, thinking that he is really going to look for Wu Ling.
"This matter requires long-term planning. At present, there are no leads for Four Rules Mountain," He You Tian spoke up immediately. He had no gaze on me, but I knew he did not want me to directly reveal the situation involving Mao You San in front of the many elders.
"All of you leave. I want to spend some time alone with Luo Xian Shén," said Han Jin, and then he slightly lowered his head, as if he were asleep, showing no other reaction.
