Little Lu told a lie

Shen Hui then brought up the matter of the master and disciple leaving the mountain.

"Senior, about leaving the mountain, as we discussed earlier today—let me ask once more. Are you truly not coming with us?"

Daoist Yun Su fell silent for a moment.

Earlier that day, her eyes had been steeped in the dusk of life, her voice heavy as she said she only wished to die on this mountain.

But now, something in her expression seemed to have softened.

She turned to glance toward the kitchen.

Green Bamboo was washing dishes inside. The steady splash of water was punctuated by the occasional crisp clink of crockery.

"I've thought it through. If this child wishes to stay, I shall let her."

She withdrew her gaze and sighed.

"I always wanted to send her out into the world, to spare her a lonely old age. Yet the world has its mortal cares and strife, while the mountains have their quiet peace."

She turned toward Shen Hui, her gaze calm.

"As you said before, fellow Daoist: the Dao has no fixed form, and every heart is different. Whether entering the world or withdrawing from it, each must follow their own heart..."

"So I shall let her have her way."

Shen Hui did not try to persuade her. He merely asked, "Have you thought it over?"

Daoist Yun Su nodded. "I cannot bear the thought of her being lonely in the future, but neither can I bear to make her miserable now."

She smiled.

"Let the days to come wait until they come. By then, my eyes will have closed for good, and none of it will be mine to worry about."

Shen Hui nodded at that.

He took paper and a brush from his sleeve and drew a talisman in a