Chapter 58: Zhou Bin, Father and Son
Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Zhou Bin, Father and Son
Half a month after successfully crafting the Ice Wind Wolf Puppet, Lu Zhao was in seclusion inside his immortal cave, carefully studying its key aspects to solidify his gains. A wooden token with the word "Seclusion" hung over the stone chamber’s entrance, swaying slightly in the cold wind.
Yet, someone had come calling at this very moment—it was none other than Zhou Hua. He stood outside Lu Zhao’s immortal cave, frowning at the wooden token. An invitation to the Spiritual Food Pavilion, long prepared, was pinched between his fingers as he hesitated, wondering if he should just leave it and go.
Just as he turned to leave, the heavy stone door opened slowly with a soft KLICK. Lu Zhao’s figure appeared behind it. Although his aura was restrained, it was far more profound and complete than before. A confident air, born of inner Divine Light, now graced his features.
Seeing Lu Zhao’s state, Zhou Hua had his suspicions. He said to Lu Zhao, "It seems your Puppetry has seen a breakthrough, Mr. Lu." Lu Zhao remained silent.
Noticing Lu Zhao’s lack of interest in conversation, Zhou Hua tactfully got to the point. "In half a month, in a private room on the second floor of the Spiritual Food Pavilion, I hope you will do me the honor of attending! I will bring my son, Zhou Bin, to meet you, and I hope you might offer him some guidance!"
Lu Zhao accepted the invitation and tucked it away.
「One month later.」
On the second floor of the Spiritual Food Pavilion, Lu Zhao lifted a bamboo curtain adorned with Ice Crystals. A wave of gentle Spiritual Qi, mixed with the delicate fragrance of food, washed over him, dispelling the biting Cold Qi of the deep winter outside.
Two people were already seated at a private table by the window. Hearing the sound, Zhou Hua stood up. Beside him was a young man of about seventeen or eighteen, with a slightly thin frame, standing stiffly with his hands at his sides.
The young man had an ordinary face, with a hint of simple honesty and lingering childishness in his eyes. His tightly pressed lips gave him an air of quiet earnestness. Lu Zhao swept his Divine Sense over him: Qi Cultivation First Layer, with a still-unstable aura. He had clearly only begun his cultivation recently. This was Zhou Hua’s son, Zhou Bin.
"Mr. Lu! Please, have a seat!" Zhou Hua gestured, then tugged at his son. "Bin’er, hurry and greet Elder Lu!"
Zhou Bin seemed to snap out of a daze, hastily bowing and mumbling, "This junior, Zhou Bin, greets Elder Lu." His voice was low and muffled, almost lost in his throat.
"There’s no need for such formality." Lu Zhao gave a slight nod and sat down across from them. His gaze swept over Zhou Bin for only a moment, but seeing it land on his son, Zhou Hua grew slightly nervous and quickly explained, "My son, Zhou Bin, is a bit slow in terms of talent and is a simple, honest boy. But his strengths are his pure heart and his willingness to work hard."
"As I mentioned last time, I was hoping he could follow you, Mr. Lu, and learn a bit of Puppetry. Even if he just helps with menial tasks, it’s better than wasting away his life in this Marketplace." He paused, a broad smile spreading across his face, and gave Zhou Bin a gentle push. "Bin’er, what are you waiting for? Kneel and kowtow to your master!"
Zhou Bin’s body stiffened, and panic flooded his face as his knees instinctively started to bend.
"Hold on!" Lu Zhao raised a hand, and a gentle yet irresistible current of Spiritual Power caught Zhou Bin, stopping his descent.
He looked at Zhou Hua, his tone calm but firm. "Shopkeeper Zhou, you overstate things. I am still exploring my own humble skills; how could I dare to presume to be a master? If your son is interested in Puppetry, it’s certainly fine for him to follow me, learn some basics, and help with what he can. Simply calling me ’Teacher’ will suffice."
’So be it if he won’t be a formal master,’ Zhou Hua thought, a flicker of almost imperceptible disappointment crossing his eyes. ’A teacher is still a teacher! Learning from a newly promoted Tier One Middle-Grade Puppet Master is still an excellent opportunity!’
He suppressed his disappointment and nodded. "Yes, you are right, Mr. Lu! It was I who was being presumptuous! Bin’er, quickly, call him Teacher!"
Zhou Bin visibly relaxed, the tension on his face easing. He bowed respectfully to Lu Zhao, his voice a little louder than before. "Student Zhou Bin greets Teacher Lu!"
"Good." Lu Zhao nodded slightly, accepting him as a "student."
The three of them sat down again. A server brought out the Spiritual Cuisine. Exquisite Cyan Jade Plates held stir-fried Jade Marrow Bamboo Shoots and Spirit Mushroom Stewed Tofu. A foot-long Steamed Silver Scale Fish was set to the side, and in the center of the table, a pot of Spirit Wine brewed from "Ice Jade Marrow" was being kept warm, its contents a pale gold.
Zhou Hua personally poured a cup of Spirit Wine for Lu Zhao, then filled his own and his son’s cups. He raised his cup, his smile eager. "Mr. Lu, I, Zhou, toast you with this first cup! Congratulations on reaching new heights and becoming a Tier One Middle-Grade Puppet Master! This is a grand event for the art of Puppetry in our Changfeng County!" His tone had unconsciously become more flattering.
Lu Zhao raised his cup and lightly clinked it against Zhou Hua’s, then took a small sip. As the liquid went down his throat, a gentle warmth spread through him. The Spiritual Power within was mild; it was indeed a fine drink.
"You flatter me, Shopkeeper Zhou. I was just fortunate enough to have a small breakthrough," Lu Zhao said calmly, setting down his cup.
"Fortunate?" Zhou Hua waved his hand dismissively. "Mr. Lu, you’re too modest! Besides you, who else in all of Changfeng County is a Tier One Middle-Grade Puppet Master? I wonder, is the Puppet that allowed you to achieve this breakthrough still with you? Could you allow me the pleasure of seeing it?"
Lu Zhao glanced at him, the corner of his mouth curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He didn’t answer, simply waving a hand over the table.
A faint light flashed, and an Ice Wind Wolf Puppet about half a person’s height appeared, standing silently in the open space in the middle of the private room.
A moment later, after Lu Zhao finished displaying the Puppet, Zhou Hua exclaimed in amazement, "This is the first time I have seen a Tier One Middle-Grade Puppet in person. My horizons have truly been broadened today."
This demonstration made the atmosphere at the banquet even more enthusiastic. Zhou Hua and Lu Zhao chatted continuously, and the mood was lively. Yet, from beginning to end, Zhou Bin kept his head down, focused solely on the Spiritual Cuisine before him.
He didn’t eat quickly, but every bite he took with his chopsticks was substantial. He paid no mind to the conversation between his father and his new teacher, as if the exquisite Spiritual Dishes were the most important things in the world.
Seeing his son’s "good-for-nothing" behavior, Zhou Hua could barely maintain his smile. The corner of his mouth twitched, and a flash of frustrated anger—the kind one feels when someone fails to live up to their potential—crossed his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak several times but stopped himself. If not for Lu Zhao’s presence, he likely would have already exploded.
After three rounds of drinks, the Spiritual Cuisine was mostly finished. Seeing that the time was right, Zhou Hua asked Lu Zhao, "Mr. Lu, about my son Bin’er... though his aptitude is poor, his strength is that he’s obedient and honest. Since you’ve already agreed to let him follow and learn from you, I was wondering when would be a convenient time to hold the acceptance ceremony? Should I invite some friends and relatives to make it a lively event?"
Hearing this, Lu Zhao gently set down his cup and shook his head. "I appreciate the thought, Shopkeeper Zhou. But I have never been fond of commotion and dislike excessive formalities. Besides, Bin’er is only learning Puppetry with me, not becoming a formal disciple. Something simple will be more than enough."
He paused. "Let’s say seven days from now. In seven days, Steward Zhou, you need only bring Bin’er and invite two or three close friends to my immortal cave. We’ll have a cup of tea and they can act as witnesses. There is no need for extravagance."
Although Zhou Hua felt this was not grand enough, Lu Zhao’s attitude was clear, so he couldn’t object. "Alright, then we’ll do as you’ve arranged, Mr. Lu! In seven days, I will be sure to arrive on time with my son!"
Lu Zhao left the second floor of the Spiritual Food Pavilion and walked down the wooden staircase. He had only taken a few steps when a low roar, suppressed with great fury, faintly drifted from the private room behind him, whose door had not yet fully closed:
"You wretched son! All you know is eat, eat, EAT! You’ve made me lose so much face today! Just you wait until I get you home!"
This was followed by the sound of Zhou Bin’s tearful, indistinct protests and the light clatter of cups and plates.
Lu Zhao’s steps faltered for a moment, and then a distinct curve formed on his lips as he let out a silent laugh. ’Who would have thought,’ he mused, ’that the same Zhou Hua who was so arrogant and full of the superiority of his Foundation Establishment Clan when we first met could become so utterly flustered and lose all composure in front of his precious son? This father-son pair is quite interesting.’