Keeping the Appointment

Four Eyes and Uncle Nine stood quietly to one side, watching Qiusheng, lost in enlightenment, slowly absorb the primordial harmonious yang energy that came with the rising sun, continuously strengthening the spiritual power within him and fortifying his internal organs.

In the blink of an eye, half an incense stick's time had passed. Qiusheng, whose eyes had remained slightly closed, suddenly opened them wide and let out a clear, resounding howl!

"Roar~!"

The howl was not loud, but it was exceptionally long and lingering. It continuously shook the energy within Qiusheng's internal organs, allowing the primordial harmonious yang energy he had just acquired to steadily merge into his body.

When the howl ceased, Qiusheng slowly walked down from the high slope, refreshed and clear-minded. As he recalled what he had just experienced, joy surged through his heart.

Just moments ago, the spiritual power within him had soared all the way up. Though he had not yet broken through to the mid-stage of the Occult Master realm, he could feel that he was close.

That was not even the most crucial part. What mattered most was that a considerable amount of primordial harmonious yang energy had unknowingly fused into his body.

This primordial harmonious yang energy had not only strengthened his physique, but had also added a year to his lifespan.

Originally, the lifespan entry on his status panel had always been 60. Now, it had become 61.

However, despite gaining so many benefits, his steps were somewhat unsteady at the moment.

There was no helping it. The improvement to his physique had forced quite a few impurities out of his body. Those impurities were extremely greasy and gave off a choking stench that nearly smoked him sick. He could only head back to the Public Mortuary first and take a cold shower.

As Qiusheng hurried away, Uncle Nine and Taoist Four Eyes looked at the spot where the boy had just stood. Beneath the ground, a Bagua Diagram had clearly appeared.

Qiusheng had walked it out step by step just now, and it looked profoundly mysterious.

"Tut, tut, tut. Good boy. After this experience, his Yu Steps have probably reached major mastery. What abundant fortune, what astonishing comprehension."

Taoist Four Eyes gazed at the Bagua Diagram on the ground and sighed inwardly.

Unexpectedly, Uncle Nine, standing nearby, suddenly raised his foot and directly destroyed the Bagua Diagram on the ground.

"Senior Brother, what are you doing?"

Seeing his senior brother's action, Four Eyes could not help asking.

"Heh, Junior Brother, it's not like you don't know Qiusheng's temperament. If we let him find out how good his comprehension and talent really are, wouldn't his tail shoot right up into the sky?"

"That kid needs constant knocking down a peg. Only continual setbacks can give him the motivation to cultivate!"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Uncle Nine spoke with an unfathomable air, his face full of smug pride.

"Junior Brother, when teaching disciples, we must teach according to their aptitude. In this regard, you need to learn more from me in the future."

Taoist Four Eyes stared blankly at Uncle Nine, who had suddenly begun putting on airs. He nodded stiffly and said, "Senior Brother, you are right. I have learned from your teachings."

"Mm. All right, I'm taking Qiusheng out to handle some business later. Junior Brother, you can keep yourself busy first."

Seeing that he had rendered Four Eyes speechless, Uncle Nine's face revealed a smug expression. He strode toward the Public Mortuary.

The moment he entered the Public Mortuary, Uncle Nine glanced at Wencai, who had just climbed out of bed. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, he visibly hesitated.

At that moment, Qiusheng, who had quickly rinsed himself off and changed into clean clothes, emerged from the washroom.

"Eh, Master, you're up so early."

"Mm, you're up quite early too."

After greeting Qiusheng, Uncle Nine paused briefly before continuing.

"Oh, right, Qiusheng. Master Ren from Ren Family Town invited me into town today to discuss some matters. He's also treating me to Western tea. Do you want to come along?"

Hearing his master's question, Qiusheng first frowned, intending to refuse. But after his thoughts turned, he immediately changed his mind and nodded with a smile.

"Master, if you're willing to take me out for Western tea, then that would naturally be wonderful. Hehe."

"Master, what are you talking about? What Western tea?"

Without even washing up, Wencai staggered over to Qiusheng and Uncle Nine with hair like a chicken's nest and asked.

"It has nothing to do with you. Stay home and behave yourself. Practice the Heavenly Dipper Bagua Steps I taught you. We'll talk after you've mastered that footwork."

Looking at the slovenly appearance of this disciple whom he had once favored, then at Qiusheng's handsome young face, Uncle Nine swiftly made his choice in his heart.

"Oh, all right."

Wencai nodded helplessly, then turned and headed to the back courtyard of the Public Mortuary to wash up.

Uncle Nine then led Qiusheng toward Ren Family Town.

By the time they arrived at Ren Family Town, the sky was already fully bright. It was the time of the morning market.

Uncle Nine led Qiusheng down the streets. Acquaintances continually greeted them, and Uncle Nine responded to each one.

After dealing with those acquaintances, Uncle Nine quietly asked Qiusheng, "By the way, Qiusheng, have you ever had Western tea?"

"Master, how could I ever have had Western tea? But when I used to help out at Auntie's shop, I went to the Western Restaurant once and watched how others drank it."

"Oh, is that so? Then tell Master, how is Western tea supposed to be drunk?"

The moment Uncle Nine heard that Qiusheng knew how Western tea was drunk, he immediately asked.

Naturally, Qiusheng did not hide anything. After roughly explaining that Western tea was coffee and mentioning the things one should pay attention to while drinking it, master and disciple formally stepped through the doors of the Western Restaurant.

At this time, Master Ren had already arrived and was waiting in the main hall.

After Uncle Nine gave his name, a waiter led the two of them to Master Ren.

"Uncle Nine, you're here."

The moment Master Ren saw the waiter bring Uncle Nine over, he immediately stood up and greeted him.

"Hehe, Master Ren, sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Come, Qiusheng. Greet Master Ren."

Seeing Master Ren rise to welcome him, Uncle Nine naturally did not put on the pretentious airs of an exalted master. As he warmly returned the greeting, he did not forget to introduce his disciple to Master Ren.

"This junior, Qiusheng, greets Master Ren."

"Oh, this must be your outstanding disciple, Uncle Nine. Truly a fine-looking and elegant young man."

"Nephew Qiusheng, no need for such formality. Come, come, sit. Everyone, sit."

Seeing that the young man beside Uncle Nine was so polite, Master Ren smiled and praised him a few times. Then he gestured for Qiusheng and Uncle Nine to sit beside him.

"Master Ren, I heard your daughter has returned from studying in the West?"

"Yes. My daughter went to study in the West when she was young, and she returned just a few days ago."

"I had intended to bring her along today so she could meet you, Uncle Nine. But she has only just learned how to apply makeup and has been going everywhere teaching others. She's been busy until now and still hasn't returned."

Master Ren spoke with a smile.