My master suddenly announced we were going to Xiao Hanshan.
Beyond the excitement, I felt a sense of urgency.
Firstly, I wanted to broaden my horizons.
After all, the world we encountered was bizarre and varied.
Although I had been in this line of work for some time, there were still so many unknowns and mysteries I hadn't experienced.
Secondly, I wanted to improve myself rapidly through more practical combat.
I planned to use this outing as an opportunity to expand my worldview.
And to gain a deeper understanding of the Youming Sect.
Because they were not only our enemies, but also Qing Dai's enemies.
Moreover, I was only one step away from the Soul Palace realm.
The sooner I reached the Soul Palace realm, the sooner I could see Qing Dai's true face and avoid the death hex I cast upon her in my past life.
I nodded to my master, assuring him I would adjust to my best state as soon as possible.
My master nodded and said nothing more.
Instead, he went inside to change his clothes.
Then, he prepared to go out.
Seeing my master about to leave, I asked him where he was going.
My master said he was going out for a stroll and asked me to watch the shop.
After saying that, my master left the shop.
I went about my business as usual.
There weren't many customers in the morning, mostly buying incense, candles, and paper money.
Most of my time was spent practicing drawing talismans.
Around noon, my master called me and asked me to meet him for lunch outside.
I didn't think much of it, asked for the address, closed the shop, and left.
However, upon leaving, I noticed Old Mo from across the street had also come out of his shop.
"Brother Qin, are you going to Li Ji's for a meal?"
He said this as he jogged over.
"Mm, you too?"
Old Mo nodded.
"Mm. It's probably to welcome Daoist Yunxia."
I agreed with this assessment.
Otherwise, those two old fellows would never dine together for no reason.
We walked and chatted, feeling curious about Daoist Yunxia.
And even more curious about the relationship between my master, Uncle Tang, and Daoist Yunxia.
Old Mo said his master was similar to mine.
In front of Daoist Yunxia, he appeared quite reserved, as if meeting a creditor…
From this, it seemed my master's relationship with Daoist Yunxia was more than just an old acquaintance.
It was likely that those two old fellows owed him something.
We chatted and speculated as we walked.
At the same time, I also brought up the matter of Xiao Hanshan.
Upon hearing about Xiao Hanshan, Old Mo's enthusiasm surged.
He said he had been waiting for this for a long time and had asked Uncle Tang about it many times.
Now that I mentioned we might be setting off in a few days, he was also extremely eager.
After all, slaying demons and monsters, roaming the martial world, and being a great demon slayer was this kid's dream.
As we talked, we arrived at the restaurant.
We went directly to a private room upstairs.
Upon reaching the door, we found my master, Uncle Tang, Daoist Yunxia, and Xia Qiuxi were already there.
Many dishes had already been served on the table.
Daoist Yunxia sat in the middle, with our respective masters on either side.
At this moment, they were both glaring at each other with displeasure.
Daoist Yunxia, sitting in the middle, smiled faintly.
"I say you two, you're both sixty years old, yet you're acting like youngsters. Hurry and drink this cup of wine, let bygones be bygones."
My master and Uncle Tang exchanged glances.
They both snorted coldly and remained silent.
Old Mo and I stood at the door, feeling awkward.
"Master, Uncle, Cousin Yunxia…"
"Master, Senior Uncle, Cousin Yunxia…"
Old Mo and I called out simultaneously.
Our masters glanced at us without a word.
Daoist Yunxia, however, nodded.
"Little Qin, Little Mo are here, come and sit quickly."
Hearing this, Old Mo and I finally walked in.
Daoist Yunxia continued to speak.
"Why are you two still dawdling? Can you show such behavior in front of the juniors?"
Upon hearing this, my master and Uncle Tang reluctantly picked up the wine cups in front of them.
The two looked at each other.
Then, Uncle Tang spoke.
"You old idiot, I'm giving face to Yunxia."
After saying that, he downed the wine in his hand.
My master also grinned, but said nothing, draining his cup as well.
Seeing this, Daoist Yunxia smiled.
Although Daoist Yunxia looked to be in his late forties, nearing fifty,
Her smile was incredibly beautiful, radiating a mature, intellectual charm.
"That's more like it. Sister would be happy if she knew.
Alright, alright, everyone is here, let's start eating!
Little Qin, Little Mo, eat…"
Old Mo and I nodded and smiled, saying "okay" repeatedly.
However, inside, we were profoundly shocked.
Because from just those few sentences, the two of us had gleaned a lot of important information.
Especially the phrase "Sister would be happy if she knew."
It was clear that the conflict between my master and Uncle Tang was most likely related to Daoist Yunxia's sister.
And her sister had already passed away.
If this was the case, could my master and Uncle Tang have been rivals for her affection?
I pondered this in my mind but said nothing more.
Daoist Yunxia, meanwhile, continued to chat with my master and Uncle Tang about everyday matters.
She mentioned how quickly time flew.
Talking about how they used to roam the world with their swords, and now, in the blink of an eye, they were both sixty.
Their disciples were now the same age as they were back then.
Upon hearing these reminiscences, my master and Uncle Tang's expressions softened considerably.
But halfway through the meal.
My master and the others began discussing the matter of the Xiao Hanshan Youming Sect.
Unexpectedly, Uncle Tang took a sip of wine.
Then, he slammed the table and said fiercely.
"Damn it.
I've held onto this resentment for decades.
My master's revenge, Yunxiao's hatred.
This trip to Xiao Hanshan.
We must catch these scoundrels.
If I don't wipe out the Youming Sect, I, Tang Lin, will not consider myself human…"