In today's shifting times, inside and outside the temples of power, various warlords and political parties either step down or meet untimely deaths. Meanwhile, those blessed with fortune ascend rapidly, their momentum unrivaled for the moment.
It is the common people who suffer.
On his return journey, Xu Qing passed through Jin Sect, observing not only the changing times but also the changing environment.
The once-famous medical hall had somehow turned into a hospital run by Westerners, and the once uniquely charming streets known for their ancient allure had lost their original flavor.
"The loss of rites and music doesn't only harm the political structure; even the romantic precincts have lost their magic. I remember the Xiaoxiang Hall with its lingering music, now only..."
"Gentlemen, come enjoy yourselves!"
As Xu Qing pondered nostagically, he heard roosters crow outside the red lantern-lit archway.
Several people turned their heads to see, noticing a woman with a slit cheongsam reaching her waist, her white thighs swaying in the wind like willows by the Baishui River.
On one side, Stone Grandson Daoist displayed a menacing expression.
The Stone Monkey, unaware of the charms in front of him, only knew the Flat Peach was ripe on the tree.
Xu Qing nodded to the familiar-looking comfort girl by way of respect.
During these times, many have no say over their own lives, not even the divine beings in the heavens can guarantee their safety. At least she doesn't steal or rob to earn a living, which is enough for Xu's Shop to give her a twenty percent discount!
Seeing Xu Qing's expression slightly off, Shi Sun quickly donned his elder brotherly authority: "Dear brother, now that we have joined the Xuan Sect, we must not harbor mortal desires. It was my second brother whose impure meditation led Buddha to strip him of his Immortal seat, leaving him as a Purification Envoy to cleanse his heart!"
"Worry not, brother. I have always remained untainted by worldly desires. Many have fancied me in the past, but I always remained indifferent. As for that courtesan... she merely seems familiar, a likeness of a reincarnated acquaintance, and she seemed kind, hence my smiling response."
Xu Qing was truthful. Since completing the Book of Life, he had gained subtle sensations of karmic force in others. Though the girl outside the archway bore a striking resemblance to Sai Yuxian, she carried no hint of sinister air.
"An old acquaintance? Why don't you go and enlighten her?"
Xu Qing's brow subtly twitched, visibly wary: "This person isn't just an old acquaintance, she is the only Heart Demon I encountered when I was young and entered the path of cultivation. I really wish to stay clear of any deeper ties with her!"
"Heart Demon?"
Until Xu Qing mentioned it, not only was the Stone Monkey curious, even Daoist Lianpeng became intrigued.
"What Heart Demon? Do tell us!"
Xu Qing glanced at the youth eager for his story, exasperatedly responding, "That Heart Demon is akin to senior's bone scraping and flesh cutting back in the day, surpassing when Stone Brother was attending horses and tending gardens."
"..."
The Stone Monkey and Daoist Lianpeng simultaneously gasped for air.
This Heart Demon truly cannot be underestimated!
As they were talking about past matters, a white crow suddenly rose from the narrow alley wall and, upon landing, transformed into a white-robed youth.
"Greetings to the Sect Leader from the tight-watch clad envoy!"
The youth greeted with reverence, his expression filled with devotion, mingled with the joy of reunion after a long separation.
This little crow...
In the past, Bai Junzhi did not often kneel or pay respects, but today in front of 'outsiders,' he was being quite courteous.
Xu Qing gestured for him to rise and speak, while introducing him to Shi Sun and the others, saying, "This is an employee of my Cat Immortal Hall. His great grandfather, when his divine techniques were yet dormant, journeyed alone across great waters to bring back exotic seeds for me, only lacking a famous master to teach him..."
The ever-curious Stone Grandson Daoist was immediately drawn in by these words.
Though he had never seen the Black Crow, he too felt a certain closeness because of their shared overseas experiences.
Unaware of Xu Qing's intention to promote him, Bai Junzhi instinctively stood tall and proud: "The Sect Leader is already a master to us, there is no need for another..."
Xu Qing was both exasperated and amused, pointing to the other two Daoists, reprimanding, "What silly talk! Do you not know that in the sect there are not only masters and disciples, but also that there are uncles and grandmasters? Why are you standing around? Quickly greet your two uncles."
With sharp instincts, Bai Junzhi understood his Sect Leader's implicit words.
Moreover, in the customs and traditions, whenever young ones meet their elders or during festive visits, they often receive some form of gift or support, and right now is just such a first time...
"This junior disciple greets the two uncles, wishing you unobstructed Immortal works and a promising path ahead!"
It is said that there is gold beneath a man's knees, and today is the time to demonstrate this!
Without hesitation, Bai Junzhi knelt down and prostrated with respect.
"..."
Daoist Lianpeng contemplated in silence; he had long achieved Immortal works and shared the lifespan of heaven and earth. But in all honesty, Bai Junzhi's words of blessing sounded like a curse!
"Good grand-nephew, truly respecting the elders and cherishing the wise!" Stone Grandson didn't think much and with a mischievous grin, plucked a strand of hair from his body, saying:
"This is a strand of true energy from your great-grandmaster. If you later encounter any difficulties, just grasp this hair tightly, hold it between the fingernails of your ring finger, and shout 'Holy Buddha Grandpa,' and you'll receive salvation..."
Seeing the conversation had reached this point, Daoist Lianpeng, reluctant to not be generous, dug into his Hundred Treasures Pouch, gifting the younger with a Wind Pearl.
That Wind Pearl was a mysterious item, taken by the Sea Assembly Great God in the old days when he subdued demons, from the body of a Griffin.
Griffins are fierce avian beasts, soaring with the wind, which was indeed a fitting match for Bai Junzhi, also a flying creature.
Receiving the treasured gifts, Bai Junzhi was jubilant, but before the group could walk far, more mystical beings like the Rat Mountain Monarch came to pay their respects.
These beings have absorbed much from the Sect Leader, and with years of city honed wit, they had become quite astute!
The bowing Mountain Monarch giant, the young white snake demon performing grand ceremony, the Yellow Weasel family crying out for grandpa everywhere...