By the afternoon, the temple finally discovered that Yuncong had escaped. Due to the heavy rain, all traces of his escape were washed away. Naturally, they searched everywhere and even went to Qiu Lin's house twice to inquire if he had seen a young man passing by. Qiu Lin, however, sent them away with words. After a few days, it was discovered that Zhang Laosi had fled with his daughter, realizing they had rescued Yuncong. By then, there was nothing more they could do.
While resting at Qiu Lin's shop, Yuncong learned through their conversations that Qiu Lin was also a renowned martial hero of Emei, nicknamed "Divine Eye Qiu Lin." He was there under orders, pretending to sell soy milk to monitor the movements in the temple. Zhang Laosi, whose real name was Zhang Qiong, was once a river pirate along the Sichuan waterways, known as the "Diving Swallow." He had retired from his outlaw life to grow vegetables after becoming disillusioned with the bandit world.
Now that his fears had subsided, Yuncong thought carefully about the events that had unfolded and deeply appreciated the righteousness of Zhang and his daughter. Zhang Yuzhen, in particular, seemed to pay special attention to him, and Yuncong realized it was her idea to abandon their home and rescue him. He felt even more grateful for this life-saving act from such a beautiful and noble woman. His eyes couldn't help but linger on Yuzhen, whose fair face and graceful figure exuded both beauty and a sharp, commanding presence that made her both admirable and lovable. But why did her brows often furrow as if she bore endless sorrow? Yuncong noticed that Zhang and his daughter seemed to argue frequently, leaving him puzzled.
They spent the night in the shop. The next day, when the rain had stopped, Qiu Lin and the Drunken Taoist came to urge them to set off before dawn. Outside, four fine horses were already prepared for Zhang, his daughter, and Yuncong, along with his servant. Yuncong suspected the Drunken Taoist wouldn't accompany them or that there weren't enough horses, so he planned to share a horse with Xiaosan and offered the Taoist a horse first. The Taoist laughed, saying, "Do you think there aren't enough horses? I don't need one. Let's get moving quickly." Yuncong dared not disobey and, after bidding farewell to Qiu Lin, mounted the horse and set off towards his hometown. However, as soon as they left, the Drunken Taoist disappeared, and Yuncong regretted not arranging a meeting point for fear they might lose each other. But that evening, when they stopped at an inn, they found the Drunken Taoist already there, drinking happily from his gourd.
After settling in and finishing their meal, the Drunken Taoist began explaining the basics of internal martial arts and the use of body and eyesight techniques. Yuncong, being naturally intelligent, quickly grasped the concepts. Zhang and his daughter, being martial arts experts, listened even more attentively. Just as the conversation grew interesting, the Drunken Taoist suddenly turned serious and addressed Yuncong, "I have one important matter to discuss with you, and you must pay close attention." Yuncong immediately bowed respectfully and asked for guidance.
The Drunken Taoist said, "I despise ungrateful people the most. Zhang and his daughter risked their lives to save you, so when you return to your hometown, how do you plan to repay them? Tell me." Zhang Laosi was about to speak, but the Taoist motioned for him to remain silent. Yuncong replied, "I am well-read in literature and would never dare to be ungrateful. My family is quite wealthy. When Zhang Laosi arrives at my home, I will naturally treat him with the highest honor. I will also request my parents to allocate some of our property for his family's support. What do you think, Master?"
The Drunken Taoist shook his head, "You are mistaken. Zhang Laosi has seen more wealth in his days than you can imagine. Do you think he saved you because your family is rich? Such an offer won't repay the debt, and they would never accept it. You need to think of another way." Yuncong, realizing his mistake, asked humbly, "I am ignorant and only wish to show my gratitude. Please guide me, Master."
The Drunken Taoist responded, "A man should repay great kindness without explicitly mentioning it. In my opinion, Zhang Laosi and his daughter rescued you out of admiration for your talent. I believe you and Zhang Yuzhen are a perfect match. I could act as a matchmaker and suggest to Zhang Laosi that he marry his daughter to you. A son-in-law often serves as half a son, and in this way, you can support and care for him in his later years. This would not only repay your debt but also be beneficial to both parties. What do you think?"
These words struck a chord with both Zhang and his daughter, who were inwardly grateful. Yuncong also realized the wisdom in his master's words. Yuzhen was not only beautiful but also virtuous, and she was said to possess remarkable martial arts skills. Marrying her would allow him to learn from her daily. Moreover, she was his life-saving benefactor. Although he had not yet informed his parents, he was confident that they would approve since he was an adopted son whom they cherished dearly. After considering this, Yuncong was very willing, but he was too shy to express it. Yuzhen, who had urged her father to save Yuncong out of admiration for his talent and appearance, had grown more fond of him over the past two days. She had hinted at her feelings several times, but her father, being stubborn, worried that Yuncong's wealthy background might create complications. He planned to resolve the matter later. Yuzhen, unable to openly request the marriage and too embarrassed to speak for herself, grew anxious. But when the Drunken Taoist offered to mediate, she felt a wave of relief, though outwardly she remained shy and silent. She waited for Yuncong's response but was disappointed when he hesitated, fearing he might reject her due to their social disparity.
Just then, Yuncong looked up, meeting Yuzhen's gaze, and their eyes locked as if an electric force drew them together. Both quickly looked away, blushing with embarrassment. The Drunken Taoist, seeing this, knew they were both willing and turned to Zhang Laosi, saying, "Surely you don't find my words presumptuous. My disciple has no objections; it's up to you now to make the final decision." Zhang Laosi, who had wanted to speak earlier but was stopped by the Taoist, now said, "After I retired from my bandit days, I found peace in Chengdu, renting the vegetable garden at Ciyun Temple to live quietly. I never expected such lawlessness there. This spring, a monk named Mao Tai accused me of being a spy for the Emei Sect and tried to have me expelled. Thanks to the abbot's sympathy, I was allowed to stay. When Young Master Zhou stumbled upon my garden, I had no intention of getting involved, but my daughter insisted on saving him, which led to this escape. Now, after seeing Young Master Zhou's character and learning of his martial lineage, I am not opposed to this marriage. My only concern is whether he truly wishes it, or if he feels pressured by his wealthy background. It would be better to clarify now to avoid future complications."
The Drunken Taoist laughed and said to Yuncong, "There are no outsiders here. Be a man and stop hesitating. If you're willing, step forward and bow to your father-in-law." With no choice, Yuncong knelt before Zhang Laosi, addressing him as "Father-in-law" and thanking his master for arranging the match.
The Drunken Taoist, pleased, said, "Now that it's settled, you may call yourselves brother and sister on the journey to avoid any embarrassment. Once you reach home and inform your parents, you can marry early. I have here a book on swordsmanship and internal martial arts. You can study it with your wife after your wedding, and in two years, I will come to pass on further secrets." With that, he handed Yuncong an old book. Yuncong gratefully accepted it, kneeling to receive it. The Taoist then presented a sword, saying, "This is Frost Sabre, a famous sword from the Warring States period. It can slice through iron like mud and can be worn around your waist. I give it to you as an engagement gift. Take good care of it and don't disappoint my efforts." Yuncong, overjoyed, knelt again to thank him and presented the sword to Zhang Laosi, who, being knowledgeable about weapons, praised its craftsmanship. He and Yuzhen then offered their gratitude by giving Yuncong a jade pendant as a return gift.
The Drunken Taoist, having finished his business in Chengdu, said goodbye, leaving in a flash, disappearing into the sky. Yuncong and Zhang Laosi marveled at his speed and then retired to rest for the night. The next day, they set off happily for Yuncong's hometown. Meanwhile, at the temple, three days after Yuncong's escape, Zhitong heard that Zhang and his daughter had fled and went to inspect their garden. He realized they had rescued Yuncong and regretted not listening to Mao Tai's earlier warning to expel them. Fearing ridicule, he began selling off the temple's property, preparing to relocate elsewhere.
To find out what happens next, stay tuned for the next chapter.