After the incident with Xie Qikang, Chen Pi noticed a marked increase in the reverence and trust the guards in Qi Xian's retinue had for Qin Liuxi. They even seemed to prioritize her over their master. For instance, at this moment:
"Doctor Qin, this is an autumn pear I picked from a tree in the forest over there. I've tasted it; it's very sweet, and I've washed it as well," said Ying Bei, one of the guards, as he elbowed his younger brother aside to offer the pear to Qin Liuxi, grinning obsequiously.
Ying Nan was furious. Did his brother not realize who their master was? Couldn't he see their master's darkening expression? However, when he looked at Qin Liuxi, he dared not utter a word. Whether she was a divine seer or not, everything she said seemed to come true.
Just like Xie Qikang—she predicted he wouldn't live for more than three days, and he didn't even last one. With such an infallible mouth, who would dare provoke her, fearing her ominous 'predictions'?
Not one to rebuff a kind gesture, Qin Liuxi accepted the pear with a smile and thanked him, adding, "You're very kind, Ying Bei. No wonder you have some unexpected fortune coming your way."
Ying Bei's eyes lit up, and he stammered in excitement, "Re-really?"
"Do good deeds and don't worry about the future. Just remember that," she replied.
"I'll remember that," Ying Bei said enthusiastically, bowing before returning to the group of guards, who immediately surrounded him, peppering him with questions and looking envious. They, too, wanted Doctor Qin to tell their fortune.
Qi Xian glanced at his subordinates and snorted. It seemed that if he asked them to follow Qin Liuxi instead, they'd pack up and leave without a second thought.
Noticing Qi Xian's displeased look, Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow and said, "What's on your mind, Qi Gongzi? Are you envious of my pear? You've trained your men well; they're quite perceptive."
Feigning casual curiosity, Qi Xian probed, "I'm merely curious about your background, Doctor Qin. What kind of family produces someone as talented and extraordinary as you?"
Qin Liuxi was a free spirit, acting with both spontaneity and generosity, yet at times she could be rather petty. He was genuinely curious about her origins. The Qin surname was common in Dafeng, but her demeanor suggested she wasn't from a humble background, though she also seemed to lack formal upbringing, which was contradictory.
"Qi Gongzi, have you poor eyesight and memory? I've been growing up freely in a Taoist temple since childhood, naturally raised by my master," Qin Liuxi chuckled, seeing through his attempt to gather information.
Over the years, the Qin family did send support, but as for her upbringing, it was solely the work of the old Taoist, Chi Yuan.
"But you don't reside in the temple," Qi Xian pointed out.
"What does it matter? Once I outlive my master, the temple will eventually be mine. I can live wherever I please!" Qin Liuxi said, taking a bite of the pear and chewing noisily.
Qi Xian spluttered in shock, staring at her, his lips moving without sound, "You… such blasphemy. Does your master know?"
What an irreverent disciple! How had the abbot of Qingping Temple tolerated her until now?
Unfazed, Qin Liuxi took another bite of the pear and said, "He can't wait for me to take over the temple!"
The old Taoist just wanted to wander freely, but at his age, he should stay put in the temple. Wandering should be left to the young!
At that moment, in the temple, the old Taoist Chi Yuan, offering incense to the founder, noticed the deity's disgruntled expression and muttered, "That rebellious disciple must be up to no good again. Let's bear with it. She's been wanting to leave the sect for a long time!"
Without a successor, where would the sect be?
Founder: Keep indulging her. Sooner or later, that little devil will rule over me!