Chapter Fifty: Good and Evil

With Guan Yuan’s reassurance, Cui Xiu felt much more at ease, though in the end he still mustered the nerve to borrow a protective talisman from him.

Guan Yuan didn’t see anything wrong with this; in the underworld, a measure of caution was essential. As for the talisman itself, there was some connection to Cui Xiu. It was a jade token, which, according to Guan Yuan, he had refined from the jade pendant obtained in Qingxi Village. Drawing on the abundant vitality within, it might not be a particularly powerful artifact, but in a critical moment, one could shatter it, releasing its energy to dispel certain spells and provide protection.

Cui Xiu had already mastered several martial arts to perfection, and his skills were not lacking. His only concern was his inability to counter the arts of practitioners, so possessing such a jade token was sufficient.

However, what puzzled Cui Xiu was that after the jade pendant was transformed into a talisman, the energy within that could be converted into Source Power had diminished significantly. He couldn’t quite understand why, though now was not the time to dwell on it. He simply made a mental note to investigate further in the future.

After bidding farewell to Guan Yuan, Cui Xiu did not linger. Before long, he arrived at the Wu Residence.

He had been to the Wu Residence countless times, and most of the servants recognized him. Moreover, Wu Yu must have given instructions regarding his visit.

Thus, as soon as he arrived, a servant led him directly to Wu Yu’s courtyard.

Upon passing through the arched gate, Cui Xiu saw the eccentric donkey-faced Daoist seated at a stone table, pouring wine into his mouth. Wu Yu was seated opposite, wearing a gentle smile, with Wu Xiu standing behind him.

As soon as Cui Xiu entered, Wu Yu noticed him and quickly rose with a smile, saying, "Brother Dongshan, you’re here. Please, have a seat, and let me make the introductions."

Although Cui Xiu harbored little goodwill towards the Daoist—if anything, he was wary—he did not show it, instead smiling and approaching to take his seat as invited.

Glancing at the donkey-faced Daoist, he cupped his hands and greeted, "Master Daoist, we meet again."

Wu Yu had meant to make introductions, but hearing this, he was taken aback and asked in surprise, "Brother Dongshan, have you met Master Sanyunzi before?"

The Daoist, having recognized Cui Xiu’s voice, turned his gaze, his eyes shifting, but said nothing.

"Brother Zixing, do you not recall? That day at the Drunken Moon Pavilion, as we were leaving, I chanced upon this Daoist. Though we didn’t exchange names, we did cross paths."

"I see," Wu Yu replied, understanding now.

He resumed his introductions, "Even a passing encounter is fate. Brother Dongshan, this is Master Sanyunzi, a man of true powers. You must have heard of the incident at the Drunken Moon Pavilion—it was Master Sanyunzi who displayed his abilities there."

"Your divine arts are known even to me," Cui Xiu replied, bowing again. "I am Cui Xiu, styled Dongshan. It is an honor, Master Daoist."

At this, the donkey-faced man who called himself Sanyunzi finally set down his wine jug. Without responding, he first picked up two beans from the table, chewed them slowly with his eyes half-closed in enjoyment, and only then spoke, "Young Master Wu, the methods I possess are not common. If I hadn’t seen the goodness in your heart, and if fate hadn’t brought us together, I would never have considered teaching you. In fact, I wouldn’t have set foot in your residence at all. Are you certain you wish to give this opportunity to your friend?"

Cui Xiu wasn’t bothered by Sanyunzi’s indifferent demeanor—he had already expected such eccentricity. What surprised him, however, was the content of Sanyunzi’s words.

He couldn’t help but glance at Wu Yu.

Wu Yu said, "I am determined to pursue the civil examinations, and have no desire for the path of cultivation. Even if you were to teach me your arts, it would be a waste of fortune. It is better to let my friend have this chance."

"Master Daoist, you may not know, but Brother Dongshan is exceptionally gifted, with unparalleled talent in martial arts—my own guard can attest to that. Compared to me, he is far more suited to your teachings. I hope you will favor him."

Only now did Cui Xiu realize why Wu Yu had called him here—there was more to this than he had thought. Techniques of magic and divine arts were rarer and more valuable than mere martial skills; how could this Daoist be so ready to pass them to another? And, judging by their conversation, even Sanyunzi seemed to approve of Wu Yu’s choice.

Strange, indeed—it was all rather odd.

Cui Xiu felt a twinge of suspicion.

"Do you realize you’re wasting an immortal opportunity? Countless people have pleaded for my instruction, yet you, upon receiving the chance, turn your nose up at it. Hmph. The civil exams are nothing special—even if you learned my arts, they wouldn’t hinder you. Besides, I’ve already told you, if you wish to become a scholar, I have ways to help. Why squander your fortune?"

Sanyunzi appeared displeased and took another deep swig from his jug.

"Brother Zixing, what is this about?" Cui Xiu asked, unable to restrain himself. The Daoist’s words were grandiose, dismissing the civil examinations as trivial. Did he not know of the existence of the Underworld? And where did his confidence come from, to claim he could guarantee someone’s success in the exams?

Wu Yu was unaware of Cui Xiu’s thoughts. His understanding of the Underworld was limited, and he hadn’t heard Guan Yuan’s suspicions about the Daoist’s identity. He simply assumed that those with true powers were beyond the ordinary and did not question the truth of the Daoist’s claims.

He shook his head slightly at Cui Xiu and said, "Brother Dongshan, I know you have great interest in the path of cultivation. Since Master Sanyunzi wishes to pass on his teachings, I thought of you."

For some reason, Wu Yu did not mention Cui Xiu’s connection to the Underworld. It seemed he had his own opinions about this Daoist as well.

"Are you truly decided?" Sanyunzi, having overheard the exchange, suddenly tossed his wine jug aside and placed both hands boldly on his knees, fixing Wu Yu with a deep, narrow stare.

Wu Yu was startled by the Daoist’s abruptness, but having grown accustomed to his eccentricities, managed a strained smile. "If you do not object, Master Daoist..."

"Heh—so be it. I’ll take this youngster with me!" Sanyunzi’s expression shifted abruptly; he grinned strangely, and his greasy, thin right hand shot out toward Cui Xiu’s shoulder.

One moment he had been calm, the next he acted without warning, catching everyone off guard.

Even Cui Xiu, who had maintained his vigilance, nearly failed to react in time.

No one could tell what method Sanyunzi used, but his left hand moved with uncanny speed, pressing onto Cui Xiu’s shoulder in a blink.

At the same time, a cloud of black mist billowed from the Daoist’s robe. He cackled, "Heh, I was so eager to take on a disciple, only to be refused—how amusing, ha ha..."

Wu Yu and Wu Xiu were both shocked.

As the black mist enveloped both Sanyunzi and Cui Xiu, its purpose unclear and the situation plainly awry—

Suddenly, a flash of red light erupted from where Cui Xiu had been sitting!