For Xiang Qing to have this kind of purpose, it really made me happy. I hurriedly dragged the reluctant Xiao Mao over, held his face towards his father, and urged, "Come on, give your father a smile."
After a long time did Xiao Mao finally put on an unwilling smile, and then asked, "You really want to be my father?"
Xiang Qing seemed to be nervous as he nodded his head. His curiosity appeared to have taken over and began to attack with wave after wave of questions, "What's your name? How old are you this year? Have you been to school and studied books before? What do you normally like to eat? Do you play any games?"
"Hua Xiao Mao, 500 years old this year, recently entered school to study, normally I like to eat bird's nest and shark fin soup, I like stealing chickens for fun." Xiao Mao honestly answered each and every question.
I hastened to correct his mistake, "You are called Bi Xiao Mao, not Hua Xiao Mao."
Xiao Mao only stared at me in contempt.
Xiang Qing hesitated for a moment, he stammered as he asked, "500 years old?"
At this time, Jian Nan quickly rushed forward from the behind and dragged away Xiao Mao. He smiled and proceeded to explain, "The truth is he's seven years old, it's just that his mathematics is quite poor."
Xiang Qing continued to ask, "He likes to eat bird's nest and shark fin soup?"
Feeling that something was wrong with the current progression, I quickly waved my hands and excused, "Nonsense, he particularly enjoys eating leftovers."
Xiang Qing asked once more, "He likes to steal chicken for fun?"
Jian Nan immediately replied, "He likes to steal the chicken that we raise ourselves."
These words had placed an expression of relief and ease on Xiang Qing's face. Xiao Mao on the other hand kept his disdainful look as he glared at us.
"That.....in addition to these, is there anything else likes to do?" Xiang Qing continued to thoroughly inquire about Xiao Mao.
This time we mustn't let Xiao Mao speak anymore nonsense, therefore Jian Nan took a stride forward, and quickly and decisively said, "He likes martial arts."
I strategically stood in front of Xiao Mao who appeared as if he had something to say, and added, "He really likes to read."
Xiao Mao was extremely depressed, "Do you guys even care about a cat's dignity?"
"No! Be quiet!" Jian Nan and I shouted at the same time, further suppressing his already weakened will so that he wouldn't be able to put up a fight anymore.
Xiang Qing asked in confusion, "A cat's dignity?"
I smiled and said, "He likes cats."
Xiang Qing relaxed and nodded his head in satisfaction, "I like to learn martial arts and read books as well. I also like cats. It seems like the two of us will be able to get along very well."
Xiao Mao quietly grumbled, "Who would want to get along with you."
"Why don't you want to get along? He's your father! Your real father!" My ears were extraordinarily sharp, thus I would naturally be able to hear Xiao Mao's grudging words, "Can't you see how handsome he looks! And his character and personality are all first class as well! He's the finest man in the entire world! Being able to have him as my husband and as your father is our luck!"
My boasting had caused Xiang Qing to blush. He rubbed his head and said, "Miao Miao is exaggerating."
"Father what books have you read?" Xiao Mao put on an innocent expression as he approached.
"I've read the Four Books and Five Classics of Confucianism, the Book of Changes and briefly over some medical books." The tone of Xiang Qing's voice sounded somewhat confident as he spoke.
*Four Books, namely: the Great Learning 大学 Dàxué, the Doctrine of the Mean 中 Zhōngyōng, the Analects of Confucius 论语 Lúnyǔ, and Mencius 孟子 Mèngzǐ.
The Five Classics of Confucianism, namely: the Book of Songs 诗经 Shījīng, the Book of History 书经 Shūjīng, the Classic of Rites 礼记 Lǐjì, the Book of Changes 易经 Yìjīng, and the Spring and Autumn Annals 春秋 Chūnqiū.
Xiao Mao lowered his head and boredly said, "All the books you've mentioned, I've already read them all. We have all of those books in the bookshelf at home."
Xiang Qing was a little shaken by his words, "That.....you've read them all? And you're only seven years old?"
I immediately hurried over to proudly show off Xiao Mao's talents, "Xiao Mao's memory is extremely good, he can read a book and remember everything from it, never forgetting. He's also the subject of his teacher's adoration, which makes me a bit envious."
Hearing my praises, Xiao Mao stood up straight and proud. Xiang Qing had also become very surprised as he continued to ask, "How about in terms of martial arts? What's your skill level?"
"Then, how about we have a duel to test each other's strength?" Xiao Mao stared at him with gleaming eyes, "Please enlighten me."
"Great, let's head over to the martial arts field." Xiang Qing took lead and guided Xiao Mao towards the West Hall. After crossing over a small stone-carved bridge and through the entrance way with many sculptures of monsters and beasts, they arrived at a corridor. Inside the walls of this corridor were a series of paintings named 18 Layers Of Hell. I didn't understand why, but Xiang Qing hurriedly covered Xiao Mao's eyes. Isn't it just pictures of people in a burning cauldron of oil and getting sliced up?
At the end of the corridor, we arrived at an empty square. The only thing that was visible were racks of weapons and an old and skinny man with his eyes closed. He appeared sleepy, as if the entire world around him was lifeless.
Xiang Qing walked towards the old man and then respectfully greeted him, "This disciple greets Third Martial Uncle."
That martial uncle suddenly opened his muddy eyes and released his aura. His entire person seemed to fill with life and energy. He jumped up, gave a pat to Xiang Qing's shoulder, and said in a very loud and powerful voice, "You little brat, you haven't come in several days, my whole body is itching for a fight."
"The reason I've come today is not to learn from Martial Uncle." Xiang Qing humbly replied.
Third Martial Uncle's frowned and his tone of voice was unhappy, "Nowadays everyone in Maoshan does not treasure the importance of martial arts. They don't know how important the art of exorcising demons is. This old man rarely sees a gem such as yourself, so how can I easily let you off?"
Xiang Qing courteously explained the purpose for the trip here today. Third Martial Uncle slowly approached, stretched out his thin and old tree branch like hands, and rubbed Xiao Mao's head. Xiao Mao was restless and impatient, if not for the fact that I had held onto him, I'm afraid he would have attacked the old man.
In the end, Third Martial Uncle said, "Do whatever you want."
Xiang Qing once again gave his thanks, and then said to Xiao Mao, "Let's only use our fists, I don't want to hurt you."
"No," Xiao Mao quickly replied, "I'm very accustom to weapons."
My brows wrinkled a bit as I pondered to myself, "That child, when did he familiarize himself with weapons? Wasn't he always empty-handed?"
I didn't express these thoughts aloud and just stared at the empty-handed Xiang Qing. Xiao Mao had gone to the weapons rack and selected a long sword, smiling as he headed back to the middle square.
Third Martial Uncle slowly approached in my direction. Standing next to me, he quietly said, "Neither a demon or an immortal being, and a half demon half immortal, what in the world are you guys?"
I turned my head in surprise and warily asked, "What is it that you want? You're not allowed to destroy my marriage!"
"This old man has stayed in the Western Hall for many years, and the only true disciple I have is Xiang Qing. If you have any ill intentions towards him, then I'll fight you with my life!"
"He's my husband, I won't harm him in any way."
"Then tell me, what are you? A demon or an immortal being?"
"Is there a difference?" I didn't understand.
"It is possible for an immortal to marry a normal human being, but definitely not demons!" Third Martial Uncle's reply was clear-cut.
As I was worrying how to answer, Jian Nan turned around and gave a reply in my stead, "She's an immortal! She is the disciple of the Heavenly Realm's Bi Qingshen Jun so how can she be any ordinary demon or monster?!"
"Hmph, this old man will investigate and find out the truth."
"You're not my opponent." I bluntly replied.
"A mortal's lifespan is short, even if I'm not you're opponent, I won't let you hurt my disciple!"
That stubborn old fool, I've already said I would not hurt Xiang Qing. As the truth was about to be revealed, a part of me inside felt some guilty conscience. I turned my head to face him, however, his eyes were only focusing on the fight between Xiang Qing and Xiao Mao.
Xiang Qing's skills were still very good, but he no longer had an immortal body and he's also forgotten all his martial arts learned from the heart. Without any weapons in his hands, he could only dodge the attacks by Xiao Mao.
His expression was full of surprise, his actions becoming more and more cautious. Xiao Mao on the other hand was unwilling to back down. Relying on the sword in his hand, he continued his pursuit and attacks. This sight had caused my heart ache in pain.
"Enough, halt your actions!" I shouted.
"Okay." Xiao Mao consented and appeared to comply to my orders, but he had unexpectedly swung his sword towards Xiang Qing's waist. His eyes seemed like he wanted cut out a big hole in Xiang Qing's body.