Chapter Forty-Two: Seclusion

“Ow, ow, ow!” Just moments ago, Pang Daoist was in a frenzy, but now he jumped three feet in the air, his left hand desperately reaching behind him to clutch the spot that had just been struck. His round face was twisted, nose and mouth askew; he looked utterly miserable. Tears welled up from the pain!

Behind Pang Daoist, Fang Xiao silently retracted his utility belt. In truth, he had aimed for Pang Daoist’s back, but as the belt came down, Pang Daoist leapt up, shifting the point of impact. Yet the result seemed even more effective!

“Your magical tool is too formidable,” Pang Daoist finally diverted his attention, calming down considerably. He couldn’t help but complain, “Even my father never beat me like this—it really hurts!” He rubbed the sore spot with all his might, but instead of fading, the pain seeped deep into muscle and bone. Hastily, he formed a spell and cast rejuvenation twice upon his own backside, finally easing it a bit.

Fang Xiao buckled his utility belt, unconcerned. “I wish my father had beaten me once, but I’ve never met him.”

Pang Daoist paused, surprised. “What happened?”

“When I was just born, my father died in the line of duty,” Fang Xiao replied. “My mother raised me, but later she fell ill and passed away as well.”

Pang Daoist fell silent. He took out a cigarette, lit it, and asked, “Fang Xiao, I’ve always wanted to ask—what year were you born?”

“1950,” Fang Xiao answered.

Pang Daoist took a deep drag and suddenly coughed hard. “Cough, cough!”

Fang Xiao tilted his head, looking at him. “Daoist, are you alright?”

If he was really troubled, Fang Xiao resolved to strike more gently next time.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Pang Daoist waved his hand quickly. “Fang Xiao, let’s divide the loot.”

Without waiting, he eagerly emptied everything stored in his Sumeru ring: spiritual stones, elixirs, magical implements, flying swords—almost covering the jade couch! Treasures left by the Golden Core master shimmered, their radiance overwhelming Pang Daoist’s duster and illuminating the secret chamber in dazzling, iridescent hues.

With a grin, Pang Daoist said, “You choose first—anything you like, take it. Want an introduction?”

Fang Xiao glanced over, shook his head, and replied, “No need, you can have it all.”

“That’s not right!” Pang Daoist grew anxious. “Everyone who’s here gets a share, and without you, none of this would be possible!” His face flushed, veins bulging on his forehead. “I’m not like Mao Renfeng!”

Who was Mao Renfeng?

Fang Xiao smiled. “I don’t want any.”

These items were obviously meant for cultivators, and he possessed the so-called Absolute Law physique—what use would he have for them? Display them as decorations?

“Fang Xiao, really,” Pang Daoist was exasperated, “you don’t know the value of these things! Take this bottle…” He grabbed a jade vial and, spittle flying, explained, “This is a Youth-Preserving Pill. Take one, and your appearance will never change!”

Never change? Fang Xiao was startled. Such a strange thing existed! He was only sixteen and hoped to mature further—ideally, to grow a beard like Brother Li Yuanchao, exuding true masculine spirit.

So, despite Pang Daoist’s eloquent sales pitch, Fang Xiao steadfastly refused.

“Fine, fine,” Pang Daoist sighed heavily, “I’ll keep them for now, and later, I’ll find something more suitable for you.”

With that, Fang Xiao had no objections. In truth, he felt there was no need to be so meticulous about dividing things. Helping each other was only natural.

Pang Daoist packed everything back into the Sumeru ring, then spoke earnestly to Fang Xiao, “I plan to enter seclusion here for a while.” He explained his reason: years ago, Pang Daoist had a critical mishap during cultivation, injuring his foundation and causing his cultivation realm to plummet. Unable to remain in the sect, he took an external assignment and came to Xiaojing Mountain Daoist Temple.

Today, upon opening the Golden Core cave, he received a great opportunity. Pang Daoist saw hope for restoring his Daoist foundation.

Though the cave had weathered countless years, the formation’s protection kept the ley line intact, still providing abundant spiritual energy. However, since the restriction was broken, unless a Golden Core master repaired it, the spiritual energy would continue to dissipate until depleted.

Pang Daoist lacked the ability to fix it, but he could make the most of the cave before the energy ran dry, aiding his return to the peak.

Calculating, Pang Daoist said, “I estimate I’ll need two or three months here for cultivation. As for you…”

“I’ll be fine!”

Fang Xiao fully understood the Daoist’s meaning. “Daoist, you focus on your cultivation here—I’ll take care of myself and the temple.”

While Daoist cultivated here, Fang Xiao would go to the county for school. Each had their own goals. Excellent.

“Hmm,” Pang Daoist reconsidered, a bit uneasy. “Fang Xiao, while I’m away, don’t act impulsively. Keep yourself safe, and don’t step in for others too easily…”

He rambled on, offering much advice.

At last, Pang Daoist handed Fang Xiao a box of gold leaves. After all, the saying goes: scholars are poor, warriors are rich, and Daoists are noble. Attending Liuhe Academy to study martial arts required not only tuition, but other essential expenses as well. Swift progress in cultivation also demanded supplements, which cost a fortune. Pang Daoist instructed Fang Xiao to spend generously, never to skimp.

Fang Xiao accepted the gold leaves, taking the Daoist’s words to heart. He knew it was all for his own good.

“All right,” Pang Daoist swept his duster. “I’ll see you back.”

He escorted Fang Xiao out of the Golden Core cave, returning to Xiaojing Mountain Daoist Temple. Yet, just as they were about to part, Pang Daoist suddenly produced a medicine bottle and pressed it into Fang Xiao’s hand. “There’s a Youth-Preserving Pill inside. Please deliver it to Hua’s mother tomorrow!”

Fang Xiao took the bottle, curious. “Why must I deliver it?”

Though he was inexperienced in matters of the heart, he knew this was a perfect chance for Daoist to court Widow Qin.

“It’s too late now,” Pang Daoist’s face showed hesitation. “I need to hurry and rearrange the cave, or the spiritual energy will dissipate too quickly.”

As a dignified cultivator, he couldn’t possibly visit a widow’s house late at night—what if he startled the lady?

Fang Xiao wondered, “Can’t you wait until you emerge from seclusion?”

“Absolutely not!” Pang Daoist replied, eyes wide. “I’ll be in seclusion for at least two months, and by then, Hua’s mother’s beauty will have aged two more months!”

Daoist’s reasoning was so sound that Fang Xiao was left speechless.

Fortunately, Pang Daoist was truly in a hurry. He left in a rush, leaving Fang Xiao standing, scratching his head and clutching the medicine bottle.