Imparting the Dao

"Ghost-lamp lacquer flowers, drifting insects hissed, night fell... night fell..."

A somewhat hoarse voice echoed through the gloomy hall. Reclining sideways within, he held a Dao scripture in one hand while a carving knife danced between his purplish-black nails like a little fish swimming through empty air.

Tap.

Soft footsteps sounded beyond the hall.

A young man in white Dao robes and a jade crown poked his head in. Only upon seeing the figure reclining on the rattan chair did he let out a long sigh of relief. He then strode calmly into the great hall, stopped before the dais, and cupped his hands. "This disciple, Wu Daoxian, pays respects to Master."

"Daoxian?"

"You should be on Ghost Peak studying scriptures and classics, storing spiritual energy and mana. What are you doing in the main hall of my Pill Peak? Don't tell me you came simply to pay respects. At this hour, barely the third watch, it is precisely the best time for inner awakening."

The figure on the rattan chair rose unhurriedly and said with a chuckle.

Wu Daoxian's expression froze slightly. He seemed not to have realized that he might have misunderstood. What if Master had not meant that? Would he not have missed the true test? Still, he honestly replied, "When Master emerged from seclusion that day, you gave me a Dao scripture. This disciple has already comprehended the answer to the riddle written on its final page."

"Your divine light is drawn inward, and you have forged your Dao foundation with the scripture I passed down. It seems you have indeed reached this stage." Tu Shan Jun nodded slightly in approval. "Daoxian."

"This disciple is here."

"Daoxian is a fine name, but perhaps it is too grand for you. I shall give you a courtesy name