Outside the bamboo forest, on a mountain path, a carriage stood still. The Taoist was half-turned, not blocking the way, merely hoping for a conversation.
His wide-brimmed hat and plain straw raincoat were unremarkable, the only noteworthy features being the mud-free Cloud Chariot shoes and the Daoist robe that subtly revealed itself.
The person in charge of the carriage team dismounted, appraised the Taoist blocking the way, and softened his tone before speaking, "What wisdom does the Daoist have to share?"
After performing a standard, yet seemingly casual, Daoist salutation, the young Taoist looked up, revealing a pair of unremarkable black pupils, "Nothing much, I merely wish to hitch a ride with you to Beiliang."
"This..."
The manager hesitated for a moment, knowing that although he was in charge, he was just an ordinary person managing the coach drivers in this convoy. The real authority was with the important people inside the carriages.
"Let the young Taoist come up."
