The thunder rolled, just as Qin Liuxi had predicted. The autumn rain poured down urgently and fiercely, penetrating the broken temple with its absence of doors, carrying in dampness that chilled the air.
The fire Wolf and his men had already gathered the firewood they had picked up earlier, igniting a pile of flames that soon dispelled the chill with their warmth.
"Doctor Qin, how many years have you been practicing Dao?" Qi Qian asked, looking at Qin Liuxi meditating beside the fire, the flames casting a dazzling red glow on her side, making it difficult to discern whether the figure before him was male or female.
"I entered Dao at the age of five," Qin Liuxi replied.
"So early, Doctor Qin, and yet you don't look much older than a teenager," Fire Wolf sighed.
"Naturally. I'm only fifteen this year," Qin Liuxi said.
There was a gasp from the crowd.
She's so young!
"In addition to slaying demons and monsters, dispelling calamities for others, and determining feng shui, Daoists like you also possess unpredictable medical skills?" Qi Qian inquired further.
Qin Liuxi looked at him, her smile ambiguous. "Qi young master, you ask directly."
"Pure curiosity. If it's inconvenient, Doctor Qin, I wouldn't have asked," Qi Qian replied.
"There's nothing to hide. The so-called ten Daoists, nine are physicians. Practitioners of Dao seek nothing more than longevity and ascension to immortality. They know how to preserve life and naturally have medical skills. By cultivating their own abilities, they can attain enlightenment and ascend to immortality," Qin Liuxi explained.
Yingnan, who was playing dead nearby, couldn't help but interject, "Are there truly immortal beings in this world?"
"No, even if there were, it's a lie to deceive you. Who would believe such nonsense?" Qin Liuxi chuckled.
Yingnan: "???"
Weren't you saying something else just now?
Qin Liuxi grinned, "Daoists, commonly known as tricksters, can deceive you for ten or even twenty years. In fact, achieving immortality simply means closing your eyes and leaving behind your physical body, with your soul returning to the heavens. When you're reborn, you naturally accumulate vast wealth and blessings due to the merits you earned in your past life. Oh, those with abundant merits may indeed live much longer than ordinary people."
The crowd listened, utterly confused.
"Therefore, never believe in immortality. There is no immortality in this world; all people will eventually die," Qin Liuxi declared, adding another layer of caution for herself, "Today's words come from my mouth and enter your ears. If you hear them, remember them, but never say they came from me. I won't acknowledge it. Whoever spreads rumors, well..."
This was a warning.
Qi Qian glanced at his men, who quickly reassured, "Doctor Qin, rest assured, we won't speak out of turn."
"It doesn't matter if you speak out of turn; after all, misfortune and retribution will be yours," Qin Liuxi said, smiling mischievously.
"So, Doctor Qin, if there's no immortality, what about longevity?" Qi Qian inquired.
"Longevity naturally exists. By preserving one's health, accumulating good karma, and doing good deeds, you will reap your own benefits," Qin Liuxi said, raising a hand. "As the Daoists say, 'Do good deeds and don't inquire about the future.' Consider this a gift from me to you."
"Do good deeds and don't inquire about the future," the crowd murmured, remembering these words.
Suddenly, a loud rumble sounded, as if something was collapsing and falling.
"Master, shall I go out and take a look?" Fire Wolf stood up, wanting to go out and investigate.
Qi Qian instinctively looked at Qin Liuxi, wanting to see her opinion.
"There's no need. The rain outside is pouring heavily, and it's likely a landslide. We'll investigate once the rain stops," Qin Liuxi replied.
"Then let's wait." Qi Qian followed her lead.
Boom!
"The jujube tree has been struck by lightning!" exclaimed the guard facing the broken window where the jujube tree could be seen.