Li Dashan seemed to see Deng Qing's reluctance to fight. He sighed and urged him, "Things have been growing more dangerous by the day. If you keep yourself tucked away in this tiny patch of Everjoy County, you'll never amount to anything.
"You might still have a place to stand now, but when the real storms and towering waves come, you won't withstand them."
As he spoke, Li Dashan gazed into the distance. "Once you've been to Liangshan, you'll realize this world has only just opened a crack for you."
"I understand, Master."
Deng Qing was startled. Apparently, there was more to Liangshan than he knew.
But having lived through the information age, he had long since lost his appetite for inspirational platitudes.
He let every word of Li Dashan's fatherly lecture go in one ear and out the other. All he could think about was how to avoid the fighting.
Li Dashan nodded. "Good, as long as you understand. By the way, how have your preparations been going?"
Deng Qing said, "I've refined all the resources I received from the Martial Arts Hall. I'm ready whenever you call for me, Master."
"Very good."
Li Dashan said, "The time for the call-up is nearly here. I'll begin refining tonight and use up this last batch of potent medicine.
"The Residual Medicine left this time may be even more powerful than last time. Are you confident you can endure it?"
My Violet Palace Method is nearly at Grand Mastery. I'll refine the Residual Medicine even faster than last time, Deng Qing thought. Aloud, he said, "I've adjusted my condition and can enter the Medicinal Pool at any time."
"Good."
Li Dashan turned toward the courtyard exit. "Come find me in the Back Courtyard at the Rat Hour tonight. You'll accompany me