Black Mountain lay in the cage, his chin propped on his bear paws, deep in thought.
"Old Cat."
"Hm?"
"What do you think the sect master's wife... looks like?"
Red Wind had been licking his paw. At those words, he paused and looked up at him.
"What are you planning?"
Black Mountain looked perfectly serious. "I'm merely curious. A woman who could make all four elders... ahem... that lady must be no ordinary mortal."
Red Wind's mouth twitched. "You'd better be merely curious."
Elder Xu overheard them from nearby and leaned over. "Are you interested in the lady, fellow Daoist?"
Black Mountain nodded. "A little."
Elder Xu fell silent for a moment.
Then he lowered his voice. "If you'd like to meet her, I can arrange it."
Black Mountain's eyes lit up. "You can?"
Elder Xu gave a meaningful smile. "The lady is... very open-minded."
Open-minded?
Why did that word sound so awkward here?
But before he could speak, Elder Xu had already turned away.
"Wait here. I'll make the arrangements."
Half an hour later.
Black Mountain crouched in Elder Xu's courtyard, with someone standing before him.
The sect master's wife, Shen Qinghuan.
She wore a long dress that was by no means lavish, her eyes smiling, her bearing as gentle and refined as a well-bred young lady's.
If one ignored the way she was looking at Black Mountain, that was.
That look-how should he put it...
It was like she was looking at an interesting toy.
Her gaze made Black Mountain's fur prickle a little.
But he kept his composure, clasped his bear paws behind his back, and inclined his head slightly.
"I am Black Mountain. My greetings, madam."
Shen Qinghuan smiled.
"I know you."
Her tone was light, as though making small talk. "Old Xu told me.