Chapter 212
Chapter 212
Everyone stared blankly upon hearing Deaf Granny’s words.
Chen Daji, ever quick to speak, blurted out, “Grandma, you can negotiate this kind of thing? You can actually bargain over it?
“I’m telling you, Heaven isn’t reasonable…”
At that, Chen Daji guiltily glanced up at the sky. Only after seeing no unusual reaction did he dare continue.
“Last time Big Brother tried to teach Sixth Brother Hui’s son a real skill, Heaven punished him. I just said one fair word to help, and it blasted me head over heels too. The fall hurt like hell!”
Eighth Master Chang muttered timidly, “Everyone, we really must be careful. The little bastard is telling the truth.
“I was coiled up off to the side that time. I hadn’t invited calamity or caused any trouble-I didn’t even dare fart-but the little bastard still crashed right into my vital spot. It hurt like hell…”
Hua Jiunan had already told Deaf Granny about the incident, so she was not surprised.
“Rest easy, Eighth Master. This old woman guarantees that we won’t suffer ‘Heaven’s punishment’ this time. I’ll only need you to prepare the Three Sacrifices.
“The rest of you must bathe, change your clothes, burn incense, and fast for three days.”
As she spoke, Deaf Granny gazed dotingly at the fairy-like Hu Fei’er.
“Girl, that includes you. You’ll fast for three days with your grandfather.”
Hu Fei’er had always been obedient and immediately nodded.
“Fei’er thanks Grandma for making this possible.”
Seeing that Deaf Granny truly cherished his granddaughter, Hu Qingshan’s smile broadened. He thought to himself that he had better hurry and beg his family’s ancestor to teach Hu Fei’er more immortal arts.
The human race had a saying: husband and wife were one. His granddaughter’s cultivation could not be allowed to fall too far behind Hua Jiunan’s.
Among the great Immortal Spirits, Huang Zuo was the most impatient. As soon as he heard Deaf Granny’s words, he agreed.
“As long as I can learn from the young master physician, I would fast for three years, let alone three days!”
Time passes slowly when there is business and swiftly when there is none.
On Monday, Zhao Fei returned to school with leave notes for Hua Jiunan and Chen Daji.
Two days later, on Hemp-clad Mountain, the Three Sacrifices had been presented and all Nine Rites completed.
Amid the desolate call of a horn, Hua Jiunan, dressed in azure Daoist robes, stepped up to the altar to burn incense and pray.
“May Heaven and Earth bear witness, and may the Immortal Master hear my petition.
“This humble junior, Hua Jiunan, wishes to carry forward the Daoist lineage and exalt the might of our branch.
“Whether this request is permitted or denied, I respectfully ask for a clear sign!”
After speaking, Hua Jiunan bowed deeply and remained motionless in that position.
Everyone else watched the altar nervously, not daring to make the slightest sound.
Unfortunately, more than ten minutes passed without any unusual phenomenon.
Hua Jiunan could only follow Deaf Granny’s prior instructions. He took out a sharp knife and cut his finger, evenly smearing his blood over the Copper Coin Sword before pointing it toward the people below the altar.
“May the Immortal Master bear witness. I, Hua Jiunan, swear upon my bloodline that those to whom I pass these teachings are all virtuous in character and devoted to the Dao.
“Should their successors ever rely on our branch’s Daoist arts to commit evil, I, Hua Jiunan, will personally reclaim those teachings and purge them from the lineage!”
With that, Hua Jiunan bowed again.
Hearing his words, everyone below the altar hurriedly prostrated themselves to demonstrate their sincerity.
Another half hour passed, yet the altar still showed no response.
The Immortal Spirits could not help growing disheartened. They lamented inwardly that their lowly origins meant the orthodox lineage would never value them. Even so, they remained prostrate and perfectly still.
Hua Jiunan could only straighten and begin “bargaining” with Heaven.
“Celestial Master, please hear me. I was fortunate enough to receive a senior’s compassion and be taught Daoist arts with which to protect myself.
“Yet the Ge lineage has been passed down to this day with only me, Hua Jiunan, remaining!
“This junior carries a blood feud, and my life may be lost at any moment. I do not fear death. I fear only that the inheritance will end with me and future generations will never know the Celestial Master’s majesty.
“If that came to pass, this junior’s sin would be grave!
“Thus, while I am still able to cling to this fleeting life, my only wish is to seek successors.”
When he finished, Hua Jiunan bowed once more and did not rise.
A moment later, a barely perceptible sigh sounded above the altar. It seemed at once helpless and sorrowful over the fate that had befallen Hua Jiunan’s family.
An azure wooden tablet the size of a palm slowly took form and floated before Hua Jiunan’s eyes.
Ancient and imposing, the tablet bore the marks of countless years. A great cauldron was carved on its front, while a single black character-“Ge”-was written in seal script on its back.
The thin stream of azure smoke curling from the incense burner formed eight words in the air:
“The Dao is not lightly transmitted. Teach each according to their aptitude.”
Then a fresh breeze swept through, carrying a faint fragrance. Blades of grass pushed tender shoots through the snow, brimming with life.
Hu Qingshan, Hemp-clad Grandmother, and the others were beside themselves with joy. They repeatedly knocked their foreheads against the ground and cried aloud,
“We thank the Celestial Master for his merciful compassion! The young master physician’s kindness is weightier than a mountain!”