Heart's Legacy

Inside Shouyi Hall, the furnishings were simple and ancient.

On the wall in the center hung the character "Dao," its brushwork vigorous and powerful, carrying the sediment of passing years.

A middle-aged Daoist in a dark blue robe sat upright on a prayer mat. His face was lean, his eyes bright with spirit. He was none other than Maoshan's current steward, Shi Jian.

He was leafing through a yellowed Daoist scripture. Hearing footsteps, he raised his head.

"Junior Brother?" A trace of surprise flashed through Shi Jian's eyes, then turned into a gentle smile. "What a rare guest. Sit, quickly."

He set down the Daoist scripture and gestured for Uncle Jiu to sit on the prayer mat opposite him.

"Eldest Senior Brother."

Uncle Jiu bowed respectfully, then sat as told, his expression solemn.

"Senior Brother, I have returned to the mountain this time for two reasons. First, to bring my newly accepted disciple, Lin Yan, to pay respects to the Patriarchs and formally return to the lineage. Second, there is indeed an important matter I must report to you."

"Oh? A newly accepted disciple?" Shi Jian grew interested. "For you to personally bring him back to the ancestral court, he must be fine timber and beautiful jade. Where is he?"

"He is waiting outside the hall."

"Invite him in at once," Shi Jian said.

Uncle Jiu rose, walked to the doorway, and called, "Ah Yan, come in and pay respects to your Master's Senior Uncle."

Lin Yan straightened his lapels, took a deep breath, and stepped into Shouyi Hall.

The light inside the hall was rather dim, which only made it seem all the more solemn.

At a glance, he saw Shi Jian seated in the center.

This Eldest Senior Uncle had a stern face, and when his eyes opened