Chapter 713 - 565: Today, I Still Give the Same Answer
Chapter 713: Chapter 565: Today, I Still Give the Same Answer
Seeking Immortal Mountain.
Xiao Mo followed behind Gui Junmeng, climbing step by step up the winding stone stairs until he finally arrived before a quaint Daoist temple at the mountain’s peak.
He looked up and saw the three large words "Seeking Immortal Temple" written on the lintel above the entrance.
From just these three simple words, Xiao Mo could feel a rich Daoist aura.
Crossing the threshold and entering the temple, Xiao Mo saw the temple’s disciples coming and going.
Some were practicing their Sword Techniques in the courtyard, while others were hunched over stone tables, engrossed in drawing Talismans.
Villagers from the nearby villages also often came to the temple to burn incense and ask for fortunes, and the Daoists of Seeking Immortal Temple would patiently interpret the omens and answer their questions.
The entire Daoist temple, much like Sikong Temple, was peaceful and serene.
When the Daoists of Seeking Immortal Temple saw Xiao Mo, they all cast curious glances his way.
They were curious as to why a bald Monk had come to their Daoist temple.
They were even more curious that their eldest martial sister, Gui Junmeng—who was always so cold and aloof—was walking so closely with a man.
Their arms would even brush against each other from time to time.
As far as they were concerned, this was a first.
Since Daoist Yun Xi was away on business and had not yet returned, the temple’s affairs were temporarily being managed by a senior master.
So, Gui Junmeng first took Xiao Mo to pay his respects to this senior master.
This senior master’s Daoist name was Yun Meng. She appeared to be in her early forties, yet her actual age was no less than Daoist Yun Xi’s, and she had reached the Immortal Realm.
After seeing Xiao Mo, Daoist Yun Meng didn’t ask many questions, merely sizing him up with an indifferent glance.
After a simple procedure, Xiao Mo officially became a disciple of Seeking Immortal Temple.
As if she knew about the relationship between Xiao Mo and Gui Junmeng, Yun Meng didn’t house the newly-initiated Xiao Mo with the other male Daoists. Instead, she arranged for him to live in the courtyard next to Gui Junmeng’s.
The two courtyards were separated only by a low wall, and from their windows, they could see the eaves of each other’s roofs.
As noon approached, when Xiao Mo followed Gui Junmeng to his new residence, a woman in a Daoist Robe was already waiting there for them.
Seeing Xiao Mo approach, an unconcealable glint of joy flashed in the woman’s eyes. She hurried forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Liu Shui of Seeking Immortal Temple pays her respects, Young Master."
"My respects, Miss," Xiao Mo returned the bow, his expression calm, as if he knew nothing.
Inwardly, however, Xiao Mo felt a swell of emotion.
’We haven’t seen each other in decades. To think that Sister Liu Shui’s Cultivation has already reached Golden Core Realm Perfection. It’s clear that Sister Liu Shui must have had some great fortuitous encounter over the years. Otherwise, even some Direct Disciples from the Major Sects might not have such an astonishing cultivation speed. But it’s a pity her innate talent is ultimately limited. If she tries to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm later, I’m afraid it won’t be so simple.’
"Xiao Mo, this is Sister Liu Shui. She lives right next door to us," Gui Junmeng said, turning to introduce her. "From now on, if you need anything, you can come to me, or you can find Sister Liu Shui at any time."
Xiao Mo nodded and bowed to Liu Shui again, his tone polite. "In that case, I’ll have to trouble you from now on, Miss Liu."
"Young Master, why be so distant?"
As Liu Shui looked at Xiao Mo, her eyes were filled with a tenderness and joy she could not hide.
"Decades ago, if the Young Master hadn’t saved me, I’m afraid I would have long since died at the hands of the Demon Race. How could I have survived to this day? And how could I have ever set foot on this path of cultivation?"
Xiao Mo shook his head and gave a faint smile, his tone gentle yet carrying a deliberate distance. "What you speak of, Miss, should be a matter of my past life. That life is over. In this life, you and I are merely ordinary fellow disciples. How can we speak of old debts of gratitude?"
"Perhaps for you, Young Master, but for me, my debt to you will always remain!" Overcome with emotion, Liu Shui took a step forward, her tone full of stubbornness and sincerity.
"For these past decades, I have not forgotten your kindness for a single day. For you to come to Seeking Immortal Temple today, for us to be reunited, it must be the will of heaven. If you would not mind, Young Master, I am willing to become your servant, to attend to you day and night and repay the life-saving grace you showed me."
As soon as Liu Shui’s words fell, Gui Junmeng, who was standing to the side, blinked, her gaze shifting from Xiao Mo to Liu Shui and back again. In those eyes, both foxy and clear, it was impossible to tell what she was thinking.
"There is no need for that, Miss," Xiao Mo gently refused. "I am a new disciple here. Technically, Sister Liu Shui, you are my senior sister. How could I dare use a supposed debt from a past life to have my senior sister serve me?"
Hearing Xiao Mo’s refusal, Liu Shui couldn’t help but lower her head slightly, a flicker of disappointment passing through her eyes.
"I understand..." After a moment, Liu Shui lifted her head, looked at Xiao Mo, and forced a smile. "But no matter what, I will always remember your kindness, Young Master. If you need anything in the future, please do not be a stranger."
"Alright." Xiao Mo smiled and nodded.
After Xiao Mo and Liu Shui exchanged a few more pleasantries, Liu Shui, who was a Deacon of Seeking Immortal Temple, excused herself to go handle temple matters.
Xiao Mo walked into his room.
The room’s furnishings were already neatly arranged, the tabletop wiped spotless and gleaming like a mirror.
The bedding was folded with perfect neatness, exuding a clean and fresh air.
"After Sister Liu Shui found out I was bringing you back, she meticulously cleaned this room every day," Gui Junmeng said slowly as she looked at Xiao Mo. "Everything in this room, every single corner, was personally tidied by Sister Liu Shui. It’s clear that Sister Liu Shui really, really likes you."