Chapter 10: As Long As You’re Not Afraid to Go All Out

Quite a few people got off the bus—five in total. Among them, three appeared to be locals, while the other two were young women in their early twenties. Dressed stylishly and dragging their suitcases, they looked excited, chatting away with bright, energetic voices. From their conversation, it seemed they were also students coming here to teach as volunteers.

But why did they keep glancing at me and giggling? It’s so troublesome being handsome—always attracting attention from women.

A minivan was waiting by the roadside. When the passengers got off, the driver hurried over, eager to find customers.

The three locals, however, ignored the offer and left on their own. The two young women began negotiating with the driver, apparently haggling over the price.

I was about to walk away when one of the girls suddenly approached me. “Hey, where are you headed?” she asked.

I regarded her with some curiosity. One had long hair and a delicate oval face; the other had short hair and a cherubic, doll-like face. Both were attractive, not stunning, but their youthful vitality had a certain charm.

It was the short-haired girl who spoke, her eyes fixed on me with anticipation.

I smiled and replied, “I’ve heard the stories of the old teacher here and learned about the poverty in this place. I came to see for myself, to do what little I can to help.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! We’re going to teach at the same school as that old teacher. If you don’t mind, could we go together?” she asked, brimming with delight.

What a coincidence.

I glanced at her, then at the tanned, middle-aged driver who was still trying to recruit passengers. Sensing something, I nodded. “Sure, let’s go together.”

With my agreement, the girl stopped bargaining. The three of us climbed into the van.

Once inside, the short-haired girl grinned. “What’s your name?”

“My surname is Zhang, given name Kai—Kai, as in ‘more precious than gold,’” I replied.

“That’s a great name! We’ll call you Brother Kai, then. I’m Yun Xiyao, and this is my classmate, Liu Xiaoyue,” she said with friendly ease.

I nodded and smiled at Liu Xiaoyue, acknowledging the introduction.

“Brother Kai, you look quite young. Which university do you attend?” Yun Xiyao’s eyes sparkled as she pressed for more details.

I stifled a sigh.

If inviting me along was out of concern for dangerous drivers, this line of questioning—and that look in her eyes— hinted at something else. Was this girl already interested in me?

Alas, being good-looking is its own burden. Since I started training in martial arts, my appearance has only become more striking. I’ve underestimated its effect—even female ghosts would probably want to jump me.

But I have no intention of getting involved in romance now. How can I think of starting a family before achieving immortality?

Women are obstacles on my path to cultivation.

Looking at the girl, I replied with a smile, “I never attended school.”

Both girls were surprised by this.

He looks so handsome and refined—how could he possibly have been unable to afford an education?

I went on, “I was raised as a Taoist priest from childhood.”

I intended to create a fictional background, hoping it would discourage her; after all, Taoists sometimes take vows of celibacy.

But instead, both girls’ eyes lit up. Unbeknownst to me, the same words were flashing in their minds: “Idol,” “Taoist robe,” “Ascetic type!”

This only made them more fascinated.

“Brother Kai, you’re a Taoist priest? That’s amazing! What do Taoists usually do? Is it like monks—chanting scriptures and following a vegetarian diet? Do you know martial arts? I saw on TikTok that Taoists practice martial arts!” Yun Xiyao asked excitedly.

I was speechless.

Are girls these days even interested in Taoists?

How am I supposed to hide my damn good looks?

“We do a bit of everything, but we don’t eat strictly vegetarian. All things in nature have their cycles—we follow the will of Heaven and avoid unnecessary killing,” I replied vaguely.

“Wow, that sounds so profound. No wonder you’re a Taoist! Brother Kai, you’re incredible,” Yun Xiyao said with open admiration.

I forced a smile.

Profound, my foot. Your intentions are plain as day.

“Brother Kai, a few days ago I saw a TikTok video about the Immortal of Purple Light from Mount Wudang and a golden light shooting up into the sky. It all seemed so mystical. Is it real? Do immortals really exist?” This time it was Liu Xiaoyue, the long-haired girl, who asked.

I had intended to deny it, but after thinking it over, I said, “Such things aren’t for casual discussion. Belief makes them real; disbelief makes them nothing. There’s no need to dwell on it. But in this life, doing good deeds will always bring rewards. You’re here to teach and nurture children—your merit is immeasurable, and I’m sure good fortune awaits you.”

“Hee-hee, we sneaked off to do this, and people have been talking behind our backs. But hearing you say that, Brother Kai, makes me feel all the more certain this trip is worthwhile,” Yun Xiyao said happily, cupping her face in her hands and gazing unashamedly at me.

I glanced sideways.

Sneaked off?

No wonder there was no official reception for these volunteer teachers. This was their own decision?

Are they sure the village will accept them?

Just then, Liu Xiaoyue whispered, “Brother Kai, something’s not right. This isn’t the way to the school.”

Hmm?

Her words made me pause, and Yun Xiyao’s expression changed as well.

“Look, I’ve been following the navigation. We’re going the long way around,” Liu Xiaoyue said, showing her phone with the Baidu map, the route clearly marked, yet the van was now off course.

This girl was pretty sharp.

I gave silent praise, then looked up at the driver.

“Excuse me, driver—why are we taking the long route?” I asked.

“Long route? Oh, you didn’t know—the road to Daliushu Village is under construction. It’s been closed for two months. To get there, you have to go around. But don’t worry, the fare includes the detour—no extra charge,” the driver explained cheerfully.

“But the map says the road is open,” Liu Xiaoyue countered.

“In these poor, remote mountains, map data isn’t always accurate. Don’t worry, I’ll get you there, and I won’t overcharge,” the driver reassured, emphasizing the fare wouldn’t change.

Liu Xiaoyue wanted to argue further, but I stopped her with a smile, moved to the front, and sat in the passenger seat. I picked up a red crystal Pixiu ornament from the dashboard.

“Nice trinket, is it crystal?” I asked.

The driver glanced at it and laughed. “Just glass—worthless.”

I squeezed it in my hand. With a series of cracks, the Pixiu shattered and crumbled to powder, trickling through my fingers.

“So it is glass. I thought it was crystal. Sorry about that—how much was it? I’ll pay you,” I said, looking at the driver.

The man’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

What the hell? Even if it’s glass, how could anyone crush it in their hand? And it’s turned to dust!

Was that a hand or a steel vice?

Seeing my meaningful expression, a chill shot from his feet straight to his scalp. He swallowed hard, forcing a strained smile. “It’s nothing, no need to pay. I was planning to replace it anyway.”

“I’d feel bad otherwise. When we arrive, just add it to the fare. Thank you, driver.” I clapped my hands, closed my eyes, and leaned back, saying no more.

The driver fell silent, and any sinister thoughts he’d harbored vanished instantly.

In the back seat, the two girls stared in shock.

This ascetic idol was truly a martial arts master! The strength in that hand—no wonder their hearts were pounding. If he squeezed them like that… wouldn’t they just burst?