Jiang Yuechu wasn't one to beat around the bush.
Now that she understood what Wu Shisan meant, she didn't fuss over it and clasped her hands solemnly in thanks.
Wu Shisan narrowed his eyes, savoring the bow, though he grumbled, "All right, all right. Enough with the empty formalities."
He turned his head toward his apprentice, who stood silently to one side.
"Ziyu."
Wang Ziyu looked up. "Master."
"That place is a long way off, with most of the Eastern Territory between here and there. Without someone familiar with the route to guide you, it'll be a hassle... You should go with this girl."
At that,
Wang Ziyu hesitated and said quietly, "Master... How can I leave when you're in this state?"
Wu Shisan snapped, "If something really happens, what use would you be by staying here? Go on, get out of here. You're in the way, and just looking at you irritates me... Once you're gone, maybe I'll even live a few years longer..."
"..."
Wang Ziyu looked helpless.
He was about to say something else,
when the girl's voice rang out. "True Person, I'll remember your help today... If you ever need anything, I'll do everything I can to help."
Wu Shisan waved a hand and closed his eyes.
"Save that for later... For now, take this kid and get going."
Jiang Yuechu nodded slightly and said no more.
She turned and left first.
Her dark robe traced an arc through the night, her steps crisp against the bluestone path.
Wang Ziyu gave the old Daoist one last look.
The old man seemed to have fallen asleep, his breathing so faint it was almost impossible to detect.
The young Daoist clenched his teeth, his eyes growing misty.
In the end, he turned and hurried after the figure ahead.