Chapter 52: The Eve of Departure - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

### Chapter 52: The Eve of Departure The news of an immortal master coming to recruit disciples spread rapidly, like wildfire. In no time, amidst the bustling city of Guan Ping, an uproar ensued. The crowds erupted with chatter. When people looked at the white-haired girl they once scorned, their eyes were now filled with intense envy and regret. If they had known she would thrive so spectacularly, they would have befriended her back then. Isn't there a saying about how when one person ascends, all those around them benefit? Perhaps they too could have shared in the success. But soon, an even more startling piece of news broke out. Luo Cong An... She declined. ... ... "Have you thought it through?" In the small courtyard, Miao Zhen, claiming to be from the Tian Yan Sect, spoke these words slowly. She was indeed surprised. She had said this line many times before, met with reactions of wild joy, wistful expressions, and even immediate prostrations in gratitude. But a direct refusal was something Miao Zhen had never encountered. The girl with the pale face showed signs of apology and nervousness. She twisted the hem of her garment, glanced back at her teacher, and then shook her head. "Immortal master, forgive my ignorance..." Miao Zhen followed her gaze to the man on the bamboo chair, understanding dawning on her alongside a slight astonishment. She thought to herself, what an extraordinarily handsome man. No wonder he’s favored by the girl, enough for her to forsake the chance of immortality and gaining the Tao. She then reassured with a smile, "Are you worried that if you follow me to cultivate immortality, you'll have to sever ties with the mundane world, never to see family and friends again?" Her words bore a hint of implication. "Our Tian Yan Sect does not demand the severing of worldly bonds like those monks who cut off all emotions and desires; you can rest assured about this." "Even if you follow me to the sect, you can return to visit every year." Hearing this, a brightness sparked in the girl's eyes. She admitted that her heart had indeed been moved. After all, it was a genuine opportunity to transcend the mundane world and seek immortality. It was impossible for Luo Cong An not to feel a twinge of eagerness. She hesitated and spoke, "Immortal master, can my teacher come with me?" Clearly, Luo Cong An was hoping for too much. In the past, Miao Zhen would have swept her sleeves and left without an option. As a dignified Jindan realm master, a sect elder, could she really lack such a disciple? But this time, Miao Zhen was uncharacteristically patient. After all, she had searched tirelessly for decades for this spiritual Rhythmic Physique, traversing countless cities. Just when she was about to lose hope, she encountered this opportunity at the very brink of her lifespan. Miao Zhen kindly explained, "Your teacher's meridians are blocked, and he has no spiritual roots. He cannot cultivate, and naturally cannot go to the Tian Yan Sect." Thus, Luo Cong An's eyes dimmed again. However, Miao Zhen shifted her tone, "But cultivating is about defying the heavens, turning the impossible into possible. If you succeed in cultivation, you may very well find a solution." Seeing that the girl still hesitated, Miao Zhen understood the need for moderation. She chuckled softly, and a jade talisman appeared out of thin air in Luo Cong An's hand. "Don't be rash in your refusal. I'll stay here for a while. If you change your mind, you can crush the jade talisman, and I will come to take you away." Her voice echoed from all directions. Luo Cong An suddenly looked up, only to find no one there. She widened her eyes, thinking this person coming and going invisibly surely demonstrated the means of immortals. The girl stood silently, countless thoughts flitting through her mind. Finally, her focus settled on the words "seeking immortality." If she could cultivate successfully as the immortal suggested, could she not lead her teacher to seek immortality together? A mortal’s lifespan is finite. But immortals are different; they live for centuries, some even with lifespans said to rival heaven's. Several decades were too short; she wanted more. Luo Cong An thought greedily. ... ... For several days after, the atmosphere in the small courtyard was peculiar. This odd vibe came from the interactions between Chen An and Luo Cong An. After the immortal’s visit, whether in daily interactions or over meal conversations, an awkwardness lingered between them. It was as if both were suppressing something, neither willing to bring it up. Chen An waited for Luo Cong An to speak, while Luo Cong An waited for her teacher to ask. It was as if they had reached some unspoken agreement, spending three days in this peculiar atmosphere. During these days, the girl tried numerous times to say something, yet each time the words reached her lips, she swallowed them back down. It wasn’t until the third night that Chen An knocked on Luo Cong An's room door. In the darkness, he held a wine jar, his eyes bright and clear. "Join me for a drink." Luo Cong An was not one to refuse. She never saw the need to refuse her teacher's requests. She hesitated briefly, then returned to her room to put on a coat over her thin inner garments. The two sat at the stone table in the courtyard. Tonight, the stars were scant, the occasional cool breeze brushing past, carrying a slightly penetrating chill. Luo Cong An scrutinized for a moment, reassuring herself only when she saw her teacher dressed warmly. She picked up the small wine jar, pouring a drink for both her teacher and herself. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Chen An raise his cup, signaling her. So, she lifted her cup to drink with him. With the wine coursing down, a blush quickly spread across her fair, delicate face. The spicy liquid flowed down her throat, warming her slightly. "Cong An, I think this might be our first time drinking together." Under the moonlight, Luo Cong An could vaguely make out the contours of her teacher’s face. He leaned on the table, resting his head on one hand, while gently swirling the wine cup with the other. Somehow, at that moment, Luo Cong An found her teacher incredibly attractive, setting her heart to race slightly. A graceful posture akin to drunken beauty. She softly responded, "Yes, teacher, I thought you disliked alcohol." Chen An chuckled, "Dislike... not really, but I'm not particularly fond of it either. It's kind of in the middle; drink or don't, it's all the same." He set down the cup, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on the stone table. Luo Cong An barely glanced away from the sight, her eyes fixated. After a moment, she heard him say, "You know, many things in this world aren't as extreme as they seem. Just like your desire to cultivate immortality, the immortal did say you could return every year to visit..." Luo Cong An couldn't help but interject, "Teacher, I never said I wanted to go." "Really?" Chen An's tapping fingers paused as he looked at the girl before him. Her snow-white hair glowed beautifully under the moonlight, reminiscent of flickering fireflies. Luo Cong An froze under his gaze, suddenly feeling inexplicably uneasy. The next moment, she dodged the conversation, asking, "So, teacher, what would you suggest?" Chen An lowered his gaze. But soon, he laughed again. "Actually, in life, we rarely need others’ suggestions." (End of Chapter)