C19 Even Those Who Had Cultivated in the Xiantian Realm!

"Child, there's no need to hurry. First, tell me, what did you see in that hall?"

Daoist Yun Song, with a gentle smile, squatted in front of Ye Chuxue, affectionately patting his little head.

"Zhixian saw lots of characters, but I couldn't understand them. My eyes started to hurt from looking, and then everything went dark, like nightfall. I also saw many twinkling little stars, flashing and so pretty!"

Recalling the sights he had witnessed in the hall, excitement tinged Ye Chuxue's youthful face.

The vision he had encountered was the most beautiful he had ever seen. His eyes grew tired from gazing so long, and that's when he stepped out...

Daoist Yun Song's face lit up with excitement upon hearing Ye Chuxue's description, the kind of thrill one feels upon discovering a treasure. He shook Ye Chuxue's small shoulders, filled with emotion.

"Night Watching Stage! You've reached the Night Watching Stage on your first attempt at reading the introductory Daoist texts. My child, do you realize you were born for the path of cultivation?

Would you like to become my disciple and join the Dao Sect? In ten years, the world will have a place for you! With the Dao Sect's resources to aid you, even ascending to the realm of grandmasters is within reach!"

"Cultivation? Can Zhixian really cultivate? If I cultivate, can I fly like a bird and conjure up lots of little sugar figures and candied fruits out of thin air?"

Intrigued by Daoist Yun Song's words, Ye Chuxue bit his finger, asking with curiosity.

"Yes, of course, you can.

The wonders of cultivation are beyond the grasp of ordinary people. If you choose to cultivate, not only can you create little sugar figures, but you could also conjure mountains of gold and silver!"

Seeing the young boy's burgeoning interest in cultivation, Daoist Yun Song's face was a picture of joy. He narrowed his eyes, further enticing him.

"Zhixian, you are meant to study the works of the great sages. The allure of gold and silver mountains pales in comparison to the joys of scholarship. I've decided, from today, you will study under my guidance."

"With Zhixian's talent, as long as he's willing to apply himself, he could easily place in the top three in the Grand Examination in five years. He might even become the youngest top scholar in history!"

Zhang Yaozhi suddenly stepped in, taking Ye Chuxue's hand and speaking with heartfelt sincerity. He saw Ye Chuxue as someone destined to be a great statesman. To him, it would be a waste of Ye Chuxue's talent to focus on cultivation, an endeavor he deemed fit for brutes.

"Sure, as long as Mr. Ye agrees. Whether it's cultivation or academics, Zhixian can handle it. Uncle, let's head back. Zhixian needs to go home for dinner."

Rubbing his tired eyes, the little guy clearly needed rest. He yawned, shifting all responsibilities onto an unsuspecting Ye Chuxue.

"Okay, okay. Zhixian's assurance puts my mind at ease. But it's getting late. Let's have the vegetarian meal at Yun Song Monastery before we descend the mountain."

Zhang Yaozhi was elated with Ye Chuxue's consent. He thought little of Mr. Ye's understanding, assuming he should be eager to hand over the boy to someone of Zhang Yaozhi's stature.

With Ye Chuxue's nod, everything would fall into place. Squinting at the thriving sun, Zhang Yaozhi cheerfully said to Ye Chuxue,

"Indeed, it's time for the meal. We'll head down after eating. Little one, when you get home, tell Mr. Ye that Taoist Priest Yun Song from the Great Mountain Monastery intends to teach you cultivation. He'll know what it means."

Seizing the moment, Taoist Priest Yun Song added his reminder. He shared Zhang Yaozhi's view of Mr. Ye as a simple countryman.

The advantages of cultivation are known even to the common folk. If Mr. Ye learned his child could cultivate, he'd be overjoyed to send Ye Chuxue up the mountain. It seemed his prized disciple was as good as secured.

"No, Zhixian must go home. If I'm not back by noon, Mr. Ye will worry."

Ye Chuxue was resolute on this matter. Concern for Mr. Ye was part of it, but the main reason was that Mr. Ye had prepared braised pork for lunch today.

Previously, Mr. Ye often remarked that braised pork was too fatty and unhealthy if consumed in excess. As a result, Ye Chuxue seldom had the opportunity to enjoy such a dish. Today, however, she finally had a chance to savor the mouthwatering braised pork, which meant that vegetarian fare at the Great Mountain Monastery was off the menu.

Observing the little one's resolve, Zhang Yaozhi felt compelled to acquiesce. After all, he was bound to meet Mr. Ye eventually, so he decided to accompany Ye Chuxue this time. He bowed slightly to Daoist Priest Yun Song, offering a smile.

"Daoist Priest Yun Song, it looks like we'll have to miss out on the vegetarian meal today. Could we possibly take some of your tea leaves with us?"

"Ha! If the gentleman fancies our wild tea, feel free to take several pounds. Just remember, moderation is key—three cups a day will suffice. Qingshan, please select a few pounds of tea leaves for the gentleman to take along," Daoist Priest Yun Song said with a chuckle, gesturing to Daoist Priest Qingshan with his whisk.

"Very well, Zhixian, we should head down the mountain now. I'll handle the paperwork for the temple's construction once I return. I'll be counting on you, Daoist Priest, to oversee things," Zhang Yaozhi said, smiling at Ye Chuxue and signaling it was time to depart.

But at the entrance to the main hall, Ye Chuxue hesitated. He lifted his leg, wiggling his delicate, pale foot, and pointed at the white tiger with a look of distress.

"Big Flower brought Zhixian here, and Zhixian has no shoes—I can't walk."

The large tiger, upon being pointed out by Ye Chuxue, cast a forlorn glance at Daoist Priest Yun Song. It couldn't bring itself to be fierce with the youngster any longer.

"Big Flower is a fine name. From now on, you'll be called Big Flower. Now, why don't you fetch the child's shoes?" Daoist Priest Yun Song commanded, though his stern gaze belied the joy in his heart.

Had it not been for the tiger, he might never have discovered the child's gift, and he would have lost a precious disciple. He decided that a special reward was in order—perhaps some extra cabbage dumplings for lunch.

Upon realizing he had been formally named Da Hua by his master, the tiger felt deeply aggrieved. It was a mighty ruler of the forest, and yet it had been given a house cat's name.

With a shake of its head, the great tiger managed to squeeze out a few tears for its sorrowful moniker. With tears still in its eyes, it fled.

"Grandpa Taoist... Why did Da Hua cry just now?"

"Ha ha, it's because the name you chose is so lovely! Da Hua finally has a name, and it was moved to tears."

...

(The tiger named Da Hua (╥﹏╰╥): (╯▽╰)) [What have I done to deserve this, woe is me!]

In a short time, the majestic tiger came back with a pair of tiny tiger-head shoes. After placing the shoes on the ground, it took off without a trace.

The tiger couldn't bear the thought of encountering the little one again; it never led to anything good.

Once the shoes and socks were retrieved, Zhang Yaozhi carefully put them on Ye Chuxue and then lifted him up. After bidding farewell to Elder Yun Song and the rest, he took the three bags of wild tea selected by Zhixian and descended the mountain...

​