Techniques and Dao

Chapter 131 Oil-paper Umbrella
Just as Tianjizi was about to go looking for Huasheng and the others, the three of them happened to fall right in front of him.

"What bad luck! My bones feel like they're going to fall apart."

Hua Sheng stood up while rubbing his bottom. Only then did he realize that everyone in the room was staring at the three of them.

Hua Sheng was stunned for a moment, then whispered to Mie Ying, who was equally surprised, "Ask your older sister if immortal masters have to hold a work summary meeting every night in the middle of the night..."

Mie Ying was also dumbfounded, and replied softly, "This young lady has never heard of it..."

Tai Shang Xiao Jun, quick-witted, jumped forward and said, "I'm sorry, fellow immortal masters! On the bright side, at least none of the disciples spent the night outside."

"Yes, yes, yes! We'll definitely fix the roof by tomorrow!" Hua Sheng immediately chimed in, turning around and saying, "Immortal Masters, get some rest after your meeting! Bye-bye!"

As she spoke, Hua Sheng grabbed Mie Ying and started to run out the door.

"You guys stop!"

Tianjizi pointed at Huasheng and shouted, "I was just looking for you!"

Hua Sheng sighed, turned around and said, "Tianjizi, you really have no idea what I've been through today. I'm filthy and stinky now, smell me. Can we talk about this tomorrow?"

Before Tianjizi could answer, a voice came from behind:
"Since you're here, that's great!"

Hua Sheng peeked out and saw a bald man holding a cane. Behind him stood a man carrying a sword and a girl holding a lotus flower.

Hua Sheng was about to burst into laughter when he exclaimed, "Oh my! Everyone's imitating the Eight Immortals so late at night, are you rehearsing a performance of Journey to the East? I admire Tieguai Li the most for his indomitable spirit despite his disability! Remember to call me to come watch later, haha..."

Upon closer inspection, the vast hall was completely silent.

"Um...did I say something wrong?" Hua Sheng asked awkwardly.

Taishang Xiaojun looked at Huasheng expressionlessly: "No, quite the opposite, you're right."

"No way! Is that really the living Lü Dongbin?" Hua Sheng exclaimed in surprise, pulling out the Ruihua Treasure Mirror from his robes. "I've liked him since I was little! Can we take a picture together? Haha..."

Seeing that everyone around him looked serious and no one agreed, Hua Sheng had no choice but to awkwardly put the Ruihua Treasure Mirror away again.

At this moment, Tieguai Li said, "Since we were just missing this disciple named Hua Sheng, why don't we start asking about Lan Caihe's whereabouts now?"

Upon hearing that the inquiries were about Lan Caihe's whereabouts, Hua Sheng quickly replied, "Esteemed immortals, I also wish to find Lan Caihe. Unfortunately, I have lost my memory. Although I have recalled some parts, I remember seeing Lan Caihe on a cruise ship called Bedland. But I truly do not know where he has been since then."

Master Yu Ran added, "Esteemed immortals, what Hua Sheng said is absolutely true."

At this moment, He Xiangu, who had been silent all along, spoke up: "Now that we are here tonight, we cannot just listen to Hua Sheng's side of the story. Xi Yuan should give us an explanation! In my opinion, Lan Caihe's disappearance must be related to this person!"

Seeing that he couldn't get past this hurdle, Hua Sheng suddenly remembered that Dao Ling Xing Jun had told him that he might be able to find his missing memories if he went to Panxian Cave.

Hua Sheng thought that this would be a good excuse to go to Panxian Cave.

Firstly, it could help him find Lan Caihe's whereabouts and unravel the mystery of the Samadhi True Fire within his body; secondly, it might also help him understand why the purple-gold thread on his body had traveled to Paris on the other side of the world.

Wouldn't this idea kill two birds with one stone?
He immediately said, "That's right! Panxian Cave! I heard that you might be able to see things that happened in the past there. Why don't we go there and give it a try tomorrow?"

He Xiangu frowned and said, "Panxian Cave? Do you know that it's a forbidden area in Hanshuji Prefecture?"

Lü Dongbin said, "I have indeed heard that Panxian Cave can produce a magical array that reflects time."

Upon hearing this, Tieguai Li said, "What does the fairy maiden think? You, Hongci Miaofa Yuanjun, are now the acting dean of the Daoist Arts Academy."

He Xiangu bowed and replied, "That depends on the will of the immortal."

Just as Tieguai Li was about to speak, Immortal Master Yu Ran said, "Should we follow the advice of Venus to decide on the matter of going to Panxian Cave?"

Tieguai Li shook his head: "This is also a family matter among the Eight Immortals. If it is reported up the chain of command, it will never end. As for finding Lan Caihe, just consider it as helping my nephew find his father and helping Han Zhongli find his disciple. I, Tieguai Li, will make the decision and explain it to Taibai Jinxing in person another day."

Master Jueguang remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Do the three immortals mean to go tomorrow?"

"No! Set off immediately! Lü Dongbin, I entrust this matter to you."

Tieguai Li slammed his iron crutch into the ground and said, "Now lead Tianjizi and this Huasheng to Panxian Cave!"

Everyone was shocked to hear this!
Hua Sheng hurriedly asked, "Leave now?"

Taishang Xiaojun quickly said, "Everyone must be exhausted today. Would you like to rest for the night and set off early tomorrow morning?"

Tieguai Li rebuked in a stern voice, "You can wait, but can Lan Caihe wait? No need to say anything more!"

Master Jueguang frowned, knowing that it was inconvenient for him to say anything more given his current status.

"Seriously? It's already past midnight. At least let me go back and take a shower first!"

Hua Sheng couldn't help but feel a little emotional. After spending a hundred days in Daqian Temple practicing diligently, he never expected that his first day out of the temple would be so exhausting, with no time to rest.

Tieguai Li slammed his crutch on the ground, then stood up and said, "If there's nothing else, you immortal masters may leave. I must also take my leave."

Upon hearing this, the immortal masters present stood up and left Yingyan Hall amidst whispers.

After the meeting, Immortal Master Jueguang and Immortal Master Yuran were busy seeing off Tieguai Li and arranging for He Xiangu to rest.

After everyone dispersed, the once bustling Yingyan Hall instantly became empty.

Seeing the opportunity, Tai Shang Xiao Jun immediately frowned and whispered a few words to Hua Sheng and Mie Ying.

Before Xiao Jun could finish speaking, Lü Dongbin and Tianjizi walked straight up to the three of them.

When Hua Sheng first met Lü Dongbin, he saw him up close and deeply felt that the other party truly deserved to be called a renowned immortal. Standing next to him, he was not only a head shorter, but also made people afraid to even breathe.

Tianjizi asked, "Shall we set off now?"

Tai Shang Xiao Jun yawned and was about to leave when he said, "Why don't you go with Hua Sheng, Mie Ying? I've been busy all day and I'm going back to rest."

Tianjizi hurriedly said, "It's inconvenient for us to go out with a girl in the middle of the night. Mieying, you should go back and rest early too."

Mie Ying glanced at Hua Sheng, his face showing reluctance.

Having taken only two steps, Taishang Xiaojun quickly turned back and said to Lü Dongbin, "Lord Chunyangzi, I, Taishang Xiaojun, have something to say. This Tianjizi and Huasheng have a long-standing feud, and Huasheng is just a simple-minded mortal. So going to Panxian Cave is originally official business, so please don't use it for personal gain. This Mieying is the adopted daughter of Huolun Tianwang; taking her along will not only not be a burden, but might even be of some help." Seeing Taishang Xiaojun's insistence on this matter, Lü Dongbin said, "I have long heard of Taishang Xiaojun's reputation. In the Heavenly Court, I once heard your ancestor mention that his grandson is a clever child. Since your son has many doubts, and Mieying has Nezha as a half-guarantor, then let this girl go with him."

"Thank you, Chunyangzi!" Mieying immediately said cleverly, "I'll go back to my quarters and get ready!"

"It's too much trouble for girls to go out! We don't have time to waste."

Tianjizi was already somewhat displeased, but he had to swallow his anger since Lü Dongbin had agreed. Hearing that Mieying would need time to prepare, he seized the opportunity to object.

Mieying quickly added, "I just checked, and it seems there might be heavy snow in Hanzhou tonight. I'm just going back to my quarters to get a snow umbrella."

Tianjizi said, "Why go through all that trouble? Just turn it into an umbrella."

"No, no, no! I don't want to!"

Mie Ying shook her head vigorously, saying, "The oil-paper umbrella I'm looking for was carefully selected from the market; it's very beautiful! We've finally had a heavy snowfall; wouldn't it be a shame to use a cheap umbrella?"

"Is it for business to go and admire the snow?" Tianjizi snorted. "Hurry up and be back in a moment. Don't wait up!"

Hua Sheng also took the opportunity to say, "Then, since I'm all sweaty, may I go back to my dorm and take a shower?"

"Stop right there!" Lü Dongbin shouted. "Don't you dare be so reckless, you brat!"

Hua Sheng sighed and could only stand aside.

Seeing that Mieying was with Huasheng, Taishang Xiaojun was relieved: "Then I will take my leave. Please be careful on your journey and return soon."

After saying this, Xiao Jun bowed to everyone and walked out of Yingyan Hall with Mieying.

The once empty Yingyan Hall now only had Hua Sheng left, with Tianjizi and the famous Lü Dongbin standing nearby.

He not only felt the atmosphere was a bit stiff, but although he had seen Lan Caihe after breaking through the Sui Xing Sha, he really had no idea what had actually happened.

Fortunately, the Supreme Lord was quick-witted and had Mie Ying accompany him. If he were to discover that those memories were detrimental to him when they arrived at Panxian Cave, wouldn't he be instantly annihilated in front of Tianjizi and Lü Dongbin?
Having Mieying with them would certainly provide some protection. In case of any problems, Tianjizi and Lü Dongbin would not dare to act rashly because of Mieying.

Even if Mieying is no match for them, the other side must still be wary of Nezha, the Fire Wheel King.

Furthermore, recalling Dao Lingxingjun's words in the Blazing Heaven Prison, Hua Sheng also felt some resentment.

Because this happened right after I returned to the academy, I didn't have time to report the matter of the purple-gold thread to Master Yu Ran and Master Jue Guang.

It seems we can only discuss this with them after we return from Panxian Cave.

Before Hua Sheng could think it through, Mie Ying had already returned.

Surprisingly, Mieying had changed into a brightly colored outfit. She had changed from her original academy uniform to a red and gold-embroidered jacket and a beige, waist-length, printed pleated skirt.

Under the myriad candlelight of Yingyan Hall, the moment Mieying Xiaoqi entered the hall, her beauty was breathtaking, and her figure was graceful and elegant.

At this moment, Mieying, having swept away the yellow dust, smoke, and fatigue of her journey, resembled a delicate budding flower.

Having grown accustomed to seeing her in Taoist robes, Hua Sheng was almost stunned by this sight. She had only been gone for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, and when she returned, she had become a meticulously dressed young lady from a prestigious family.

Not only that, Mieying was also holding a bright red paper umbrella with tung oil, the surface of which was painted with various colorful peonies.

Seeing Mieying's appearance, Tianjizi said impatiently, "Didn't you say you were just grabbing an umbrella? Why are you still taking the time to dress up?"

Hua Sheng retorted, "They didn't spend any extra time, so what are you complaining about?"

"You worm..."

Just as Tianjizi was about to say something, he was interrupted by Mieying's voice:
"What? Such a beautiful oil-paper umbrella, of course I must choose a matching dress."

Mie Ying raised his head, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm.

"My lord, why do you have to meddle in what other people wear? Is being a clerk just about worrying about what the female disciples of the Academy are dressed for?"

This barrage of mockery showed no mercy to Tianjizi. Tianjizi, mindful of Lü Dongbin's presence, could only flick his sleeves and walk out the door.

Mieying ignored him and skipped over to Huasheng like a child, asking, "Huasheng, Huasheng, isn't this oil-paper umbrella beautiful? And what do you think of my outfit?"

Hua Sheng's heart did indeed race when he saw Mie Ying's stunning appearance.

With her slender index finger, Mieying pointed to the floral pattern on the umbrella and said, "You should really admire this umbrella. It's very beautiful!"

As the two drew closer, Hua Sheng was able to see Mie Ying more clearly.

Mieying had a light eyeliner drawn on her eyes, and her face was as pink as a peach blossom. In the flickering candlelight, she was dressed in a flowing robe like a rosy cloud, which made Huasheng involuntarily intoxicated by the beauty before him.

Seeing Hua Sheng's dazed expression, Mie Ying hummed in agreement.

What silly thing are you doing now?

"Wha...what?"

"I just asked you, what do you think of this umbrella? Do you think it suits me well?"

"So pretty...beautiful."

"That's all?"

"charming."

Who is lost?

"I... Ah! No, I meant it's very beautiful," Hanamori quickly corrected.

Mie Ying laughed like a silver bell and grabbed Hua Sheng's arm.

"Panxian Cave! I have long heard of this place."

She raised her right hand, flicked her pinky finger, and pointed in the direction of Hanzhou, saying, "Tonight, young master is revisiting this old place. How can you not reminisce about the past? No matter, no matter. Watch how I, your humble servant, will turn the tide of this marriage and destiny on stage!"

(End of this chapter)