Early the next morning, Ma Yu took Wu Xuantian to bid farewell to the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan, then set off toward Zhongnan Mountain.
"Junior brother, we've been away from Zhongnan Mountain for over half a year now. It's time I returned to the Quanzhen Sect," Ma Yu said slowly.
"You're right, senior brother. After more than half a year out here, I still find Zhongnan Mountain more comfortable!" Wu Xuantian replied.
Ma Yu shook his head and smiled. "I'm returning to Zhongnan Mountain, not you!"
"Huh?" Wu Xuantian froze. "Senior brother, what do you mean?"
"Junior brother, you can't stay on Zhongnan Mountain forever. The world is vast. It's time you went out and saw it!" Ma Yu said with a smile.
After parting with Ma Yu, Wu Xuantian wandered aimlessly for over two weeks, until his silver was nearly gone. He found a roadside noodle shop and sat down to eat. As he wondered where to go next, a girl's voice sounded behind him.
"Are you Martial Uncle Wu Xuantian?" Unfortunately, Wu Xuantian could not hear her and had not noticed her. Only when she came forward and tapped his shoulder did he realize someone was speaking to him.
Wu Xuantian looked up to find a man and a girl standing before him. The man appeared to be in his forties, with a few short strands of beard beneath his chin, a kindly face, and the dress of a wealthy gentleman. The girl was about fourteen or fifteen, with fair skin and lovely features that rivaled even Li Mochou, whom Wu Xuantian had met before. They appeared to be father and daughter.
"May I ask which of Senior Sister Sun's disciples you are?" Though Wu Xuantian did not recognize the pretty girl, her calling him martial uncle suggested