"Don't be so quick to lament your life. I may not be in the mood to grant you an immortal sect, but I can offer you immortality. I cherish your talent and cannot bear to see it fade away. Would you consider it?"
"Immortal, you make me want to meet you even more, but I do not seek immortality. Immortality is too burdensome! Every life has its karma and destiny. I look forward to meeting new people and experiences in the next life. If not, I am content with this one!"
"In that case, where would you like to pass on? I can take you anywhere in the world!"
"If I could return to my roots, that would be best."
In a village in the southwestern mountains of the empire, the village had long been abandoned. Only a few dilapidated huts remained. The old Taoist found the familiar courtyard from his memories and pushed the door open. He saw the half-collapsed house and the dusty bed. He sat on the dusty floor.
"Father, Mother, your child has returned home!"
Not far from the village, a lean man walked while drinking from a gourd.
"This is the third time I've invited someone to pursue immortality with me, but why has it never succeeded? The first two times were indeed my fault, as I was too obsessed. But this time... Just wait, you'll see!"
"You better not go too far, or I won't accompany you anymore!"
"Fine, fine, I won't blame you this time. If the Taoist has another life, ensure he has peace and prosperity for nine generations. Sometimes I sleep too long and miss things."
The lean man finished his drink and shouted towards the village, "Your Immortal loves to write poetry. If it's bad, don't hold it against me!"
"Carefree, carefree, deep in the clouds, Fortune and misfortune intertwined, making a living. Renounce immortality, true immortal spirit, Fulfilling wishes, this life's path."
When Xin Sen returned to Baicao Hall, Lu Yunqi and his wife had already arrived home. The shop assistant told them their son had gone out to treat patients. Seeing Lu Xinsen return, they prepared to question him thoroughly, fearing he might have harmed someone. Hearing his parents' inquiries, Lu Xinsen eagerly recounted his achievements. When they heard he had successfully treated someone, his parents were pleased. However, when it came to the art of stargazing, Lu Yunqi firmly opposed Lu Xinsen learning it.
"Son, your mother and I think you're too young to understand this. Divination is a strange field. It not only causes physical harm but can also endanger your family. You don't want to become an orphan, do you? Focus on your medical studies and martial arts, and don't neglect your schoolwork."
"Okay, Dad, I understand!" Seeing his father's anger, Lu Xinsen decided to give up on stargazing. No matter how good it would be to be a little immortal, he couldn't escape his parents' grasp.
Watching their son run out with his schoolbag, Lu Yunqi's wife, Wang, laughed.
"Yunqi, is stargazing really that dangerous? Look how it scared our son!"
"My dear, the basic harm is real, but the other stuff I made up. It's good to instill some fear. Our family doesn't lack food or clothing, and Xin Sen has a talent for medicine. Why distract him with other things? I know you love him, but too much indulgence isn't good. At his age, he's curious about everything. If he loses interest in medicine, who will inherit our skills? We can't have another child!"
"If you want a child, go have one yourself. I was exhausted giving birth to Xin Sen. I don't want to go through that again! Enough of this nonsense. I'm going to North Pass for some medicine..."
Three children met at the academy. Shuishen was holding Wuqian, waiting for the other two.
"Shuishen, Xin Sen said you met an old Taoist who gave you a sword? Wow, this sword is really long. Why does it look so familiar?"
"Rain, my master has passed by you before," Shuishen recalled from the letter.
"No wonder it looks familiar. It must be that very old Taoist. I remember him!"
"Let's hurry inside, or Old Meng will hit our hands again. He always punishes only me and Rain! I don't want to get hit again!" Xin Sen pulled the other two into the academy.
"That's because I always complete Meng Laoshi's assignments the most diligently. If you two did the same, you wouldn't get hit!"
"Well, well, the two lackeys of the East City are here with the young master of the Lu family. Why didn't the two beautiful Jin sisters come today?" An unpleasant voice came from the classroom door.
"Ning Quhong, why are you barking like a mad dog? Should I break your legs to teach you a lesson?" Xin Sen retorted forcefully.
"Young Master Lu, I wouldn't dare provoke you. I'm just training your lackeys! If they ever try to equal you, it wouldn't do for your status."
Before Xin Sen could respond, Shuishen had already pulled him into the classroom. Ning Quhong wasn't targeting Xin Sen and Rain specifically. Because they were a year older, they had been classmates with Ning Quhong for a year, and he used to flatter Xin Sen. But this year, after Shuishen joined, he became obsessed with uncovering why Shuishen wore a mask, leading to the current situation. Since Jin County only had this one elementary academy, they had no choice but to tolerate it.
Soon, the Jin sisters also arrived and took their seats. Seeing Meng Laoshi approach, Ning Quhong and his group quickly sat down. Meng Laoshi looked around to ensure no one wanted to skip his class before beginning.
"Today's lesson is about rulers and laws," Meng Laoshi began leisurely.
"Shuishen, Meng Laoshi always waits a bit before starting as if someone might leave. Those who don't want to be here wouldn't wait until class starts to leave!" Xin Sen whispered to Shuishen and Rain.
"Shuishen, you can't keep tolerating Ning Quhong and Qian Dabao. This is their final year at the academy, and the teachers won't be too harsh on them. Ning's father is the county head, and Qian's father is his right-hand man. If you don't take action, they'll only get worse! Shuishen, are you listening?" Rain looked at Shuishen, who was lost in thought.
Shuishen was holding Wuqian, lost in thought about the letter from his master, which mentioned discerning good and evil. Though hard to understand from the words alone, Shuishen felt a strange sensation when encountering Ning Quhong earlier, like placing his hand near a hot furnace.