"You must be joking, young master. Our Red Lotus Cult has no such title as 'Holy Father.'"
Lady Miaoyun gave a coquettish laugh. Her eyes rippled like spring waters, brimming with allure. Even beneath her loose robes and thick veil, she possessed a charm that could hook a man's soul and steal it away.
"But our teachings are open-minded. We indulge our desires without restraint; nothing is forbidden... Our Cult Master is broad-minded, with a heart as receptive as a valley. With your heaven-bestowed gifts, young master, the Cult Master would surely be delighted to meet you. Perhaps you really would be addressed as 'Holy Father.'"
Hong Yuan offered heartfelt praise. "Your Red Lotus Cult isn't merely open-minded. It's positively enlightened."
Without waiting for Miaoyun's reply, Hong Yuan raised his teacup, blew away the steam, and smiled. "In that case, Miss Huairu, please hurry back and persuade your Cult Master. I can hardly wait to gain thousands upon thousands of adopted sons and daughters. Then I won't have to worry about being cared for in my old age."
Lady Miaoyun's laughter faltered. "You've remembered incorrectly, young master. My name is Red Lotus..."
Hong Yuan sipped his tea and waved a hand. "More or less the same."
Before long, Lady Miaoyun left the residence. After several twists and turns, she entered a quiet, elegant courtyard in the eastern market.
About an incense stick's worth of time later, a graceful figure darted out of the courtyard and drifted out of the city within moments.
The figure moved swiftly and effortlessly, like a weightless silk scroll dancing on the wind. She soon covered more than twenty li and vanished into a lush green bamboo grove.
At the center of the grove, water splashed with a clear, bright sound. A babbling stream ran past