Seeing Li Zizai hugging his thigh, delighted yet aggrieved, Xuanming flicked a finger and gave this overly familiar disciple a crisp, ringing knock on the forehead.
"Ow!"
Li Zizai clutched his red, swollen forehead, tears hovering in his eyes from the pain, his expression full of accusation.
Xuanming did not comfort his chubby disciple. After observing him for so many years, he had long since figured out the boy's temperament. Kindhearted though he was, he was also mischievous and always ready to climb any pole offered to him. Give him three shades of color, and he would dare open a dye shop.
Back at the Li residence, the boy had often played the pitiable victim to trick Li Daniu.
Xuanming was not his father and would not fall for it. Still, he was a child, and needed to be taught when necessary.
"Before entering seclusion, I specifically told you to spend your nights in the courtyard. For one thing, I wanted you to absorb the Dao resonance spilling out during my seclusion and build up your foundations.
"For another, I wanted you to circulate your magic power to withstand the autumn chill and frost, thereby condensing your magic power and tempering your flesh.
"Besides, my courtyard is much warmer than anywhere else. Don't reap the benefits and still play the injured innocent."
With that, Xuanming reached out and lightly patted Li Zizai's red, swollen forehead again. The boy grimaced, then broke into a grin, pleading and currying favor at once:
"Master, don't hit me anymore! This disciple knows you have my best interests at heart. From now on, if you tell me to go east, I'll never head west."
Xuanming hummed in acknowledgment. Looking through his Dharma Eye, he saw that the three flames around Li Zizai burned more vigorously,