The Cycle of Succession

The white-haired, highly respected old master of Fuqing Palace bowed at the waist in greeting. The two middle-aged Daoist masters, both renowned throughout Qingcheng Mountain and for dozens of li around its foothills, were likewise exceedingly respectful and courteous. The ageless-looking Daoist remained mild and composed, while the little girl beside him wore no expression as she stared up at those opposite her, not the least bit uneasy.

The younger Daoists in the temple exchanged glances, yet dared not ask questions. They could only sneak looks at them, listen to their conversation, and speculate inwardly.

"Is Daoist Brother Guanghua Zi still here?"

"In reply to Daoist Brother, our grandmaster has passed away."

"When did he pass?"

"He passed in the second year of Great Peace."

"The second year of Great Peace... eight years ago."

"The second year of Great Peace, also in summer. Almost exactly eight years ago," Daoist Yingfeng replied.

"Alas..."

Though Song You had long suspected it, he still let out a sigh.

Guanghua Zi, the old master of Fuqing Palace, had been an old acquaintance of his old Daoist master. Before Song You descended the mountain, Guanghua Zi had been the only person in this Fuqing Palace whom he could truly call familiar.

Now there were two more, but the two young Daoist masters of those days had already become two middle-aged Daoists.

The affairs of the world were but one grand dream; how many autumn chills had passed through the human realm?

"When Grandmaster left, he was very peaceful—free of pain and calamity. He even had supper. Afterward, he told us that his allotted lifespan was at an end, and that the underworld attendants who had come to receive him were already at the mountain gate. He told those of us with cultivation who could see