Bab 2: Aligning with the Heavens and Responding to Humanity
"Master, Senior Mu Han requests your presence today." Yun Qingyi passed by the doorway, dragging freshly laundered clothes in her hands, and spoke.
"Understood." Li Luoning set aside what he was doing and responded.
Within the Clear Serenity Pavilion,
A man adorned in a white immortal robe, draped with a thin layer of deep blue chiffon, appeared a few years older than Li Luoning. His countenance exuded calmness as he sat quietly by the table, sipping tea.
"Senior Mu Han, did you send for me?" Li Luoning walked in slowly and bowed deeply to the man.
"Luoning, come, sit down. Let's talk over here." Seeing Li Luoning enter, Mu Han's calm expression suddenly brightened with a smile.
Li Luoning took a seat beside the bookshelf as invited, and Mu Han leisurely set down his tea, wearing a friendly expression as he asked,
"My junior, have you brought someone else home again?" Mu Han's expression remained calm as he asked with a smile.
"I have not yet reported to Senior Brother; it was an oversight on my part." Li Luoning's lips curved with a faint smile as he replied respectfully.
"You have always been kind-hearted, and healing the sick is nothing out of the ordinary for you. There's no need to inform me every time." Mu Han waved his hand gently, unperturbed by the matter.
"Did Senior Brother summon me today with something to discuss?"
Mu Han didn't immediately respond; instead, he poured tea for Li Luoning and then for himself. Only then did he ask softly,
"Have you selected a disciple for the closed-door cultivation, my junior?"
"Why does Senior Brother ask?" Li Luoning was puzzled. Why would the matter of taking on disciples be brought up out of the blue?
"Although you already have one disciple under your wing, Yun Qingyi, the position of closed-door disciple has been vacant all along. According to our sect's rules, for every new disciple brought in, one must be sent out. It's been many years since you've taken on disciples, so it's time to consider selecting a candidate for the closed-door disciple position." Mu Han smiled as he spoke.
"Please enlighten me, Senior Brother." Mu Han was adept at astrology and divination. Li Luoning naturally understood the implications behind his words.
"The Milky Way shimmers through this life, yet bending the light remains a challenge. The call of immortality resonates through the ages, imprinting disciples with timeless names. All opportunities, whether seized or missed, flow with the currents of fate, aligning with the will of heaven, all predestined." Mu Han took a sip of tea, his eyes twinkling with a smile as he spoke leisurely.
Li Luoning pondered for a moment, knowing the secrets of fate cannot be revealed.
"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother." Li Luoning knew that every word spoken by his senior held wisdom, and it was not his place to question further.
"Luoning, what are your plans next?" Mu Han asked with a playful smile in his eyes.
"I do intend to take him as my disciple, but when I asked him to stay in the Ethereal Realm, his reaction seemed to be filled with concerns." Li Luoning replied.
"Do you know why?" Mu Han inquired.
"He is a Spiritless Being," Li Luoning replied, revealing that he had long known that Mi Xingzhe was a Spiritless Being.
"Is there a solution?" Mu Han asked.
"I was just about to discuss this matter with Senior Brother. Within the Three Realms, both immortals, humans, and demons possess Dan within their bodies, which carry varying degrees of spiritual power to sustain their souls. If one lacks Dan, their behavior should be akin to that of a puppet, without such agility. I've examined his meridians, but there seems to be no trace of spiritual power. This empty vessel surviving to this age must be a challenge in itself. However, I have yet to find a method to heal him." Li Luoning explained after careful consideration.
Mu Han nodded with a smile. "Do you know about the Immortal Spirit Grass?" He pointed to an ancient tome in front of him.
"Senior Brother means the Immortal Spirit Grass can help him cultivate Dan?" Li Luoning's heart was filled with a glimmer of hope.
Mu Han didn't answer directly but instead gently swirled the lotus cup in his hand. "The tea has cooled."
Li Luoning understood Mu Han's intention, so he bowed deeply before leaving the room.
Within the Mirror Cloud Residence,
Sunlight poured into the room, casting dappled shadows. The gentle breeze carried the chirping of birds into the room, stirring Mi Xingzhe's hair and waking him up. He rubbed his temples and opened his eyes, the glaring sunlight making him furrow his brows. He struggled to sit up from the bed with his weak and sore body.
Li Luoning had returned from the Clear Serenity Pavilion and was sitting quietly nearby, immersed in reading.
"You're awake?"
"Yeah," Mi Xingzhe responded, blinking sleepily as he glanced around.
"Drink your medicine," Li Luoning lifted his head and gestured towards the medicine bowl on the bedside.
Mi Xingzhe picked up the bowl and took a sip. "Oh... um, cough," he couldn't help but cough at the strong bitterness of the medicine.
"Is it too bitter?" Li Luoning slowly set down his book and looked up at Mi Xingzhe.
"No... not bitter," Mi Xingzhe replied, cautiously eyeing Li Luoning.
Sensing Mi Xingzhe's gaze, Li Luoning looked over and then walked over slowly, setting aside what he was holding.
Mi Xingzhe subconsciously tightened the blanket in his hand and instinctively moved back into the bed.
"You should stay here from now on," Li Luoning didn't want to be too abrupt, so he gently persuaded Mi Xingzhe to stay for the time being.
Hearing the suggestion to stay, Mi Xingzhe's back involuntarily tensed.
Could it be that the people in this Immortal Sect were also like those he had encountered before, trying to sell him for some silver? He had heard the same words before, only to find himself inexplicably sold the next day.
Thinking this, Mi Xingzhe looked at the medicine bowl in his hand and quickly set it down.
"Why... why would I?" he asked.
"You have nowhere else to go. It's better to stay here than to wander outside," Li Luoning didn't understand his nervousness but spoke in a friendly and reassuring tone.
"W-who's... who's wandering!" Mi Xingzhe retorted, then added nervously, "Th-thank you for saving me. But, I'm fine now. I can leave tomorrow."
"With your current condition, you'll probably faint on the road before you get far. You still need some time to recover," Li Luoning gently furrowed his brows, seeing Mi Xingzhe's stubbornness as a bit immature.
Seeing Li Luoning's persistent attempts to persuade him, Mi Xingzhe couldn't help but feel a little scared.
Ever since wandering the streets, Mi Xingzhe had encountered situations like this several times before. First, they would try to persuade him to stay with good intentions, only to mysteriously disappear and end up sold to someone else the next day. Human nature was inherently wicked, and Mi Xingzhe had learned this lesson through his journey.
Right now, all Mi Xingzhe could think about was running.
"I... I don't need to stay. I can actually leave now, no need to wait until tomorrow," Mi Xingzhe said, stuttering nervously as he got out of bed. This habit of stuttering when nervous had persisted since childhood.
Standing by the bed, Mi Xingzhe looked around but couldn't find his shoes. He didn't pay much attention to it.
Looking up at Li Luoning, who was a head taller, Mi Xingzhe forced a smile and swiftly maneuvered past him, heading straight for the door barefoot.
Watching Mi Xingzhe's actions, Li Luoning couldn't help but find it amusing. But seeing Mi Xingzhe's desperate attempt to escape, he lowered his gaze to the scars and bruises on his bare feet.
"What a troublesome guy," Li Luoning thought to himself as he waved his hand, closing the door with a loud clang in front of Mi Xingzhe.
"Ahh!" Mi Xingzhe jumped in surprise, feeling fear stiffening the back of his neck. Slowly turning around, his body trembling, he looked at Li Luoning.
"You're not wearing shoes. Where do you think you're going?" Li Luoning asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I... I'm leaving..." Mi Xingzhe replied timidly.
"Where are you going?" Li Luoning frowned, pressing for an answer.
... Mi Xingzhe remained silent, not even sure where he should go himself.
Sighing, Li Luoning walked over, intending to pull Mi Xingzhe back.
When Mi Xingzhe felt himself being pulled, he instinctively struggled, and in a moment of desperation, he fiercely bit down.
"Ouch, you!" Li Luoning released his grip, looking at Mi Xingzhe with a hint of anger.
After biting Li Luoning, Mi Xingzhe looked terrified and quickly retreated, his hands protecting his head.
Seeing Mi Xingzhe's frightened and timid appearance, Li Luoning sighed but didn't bother to argue with him.
"I... I'm so skinny, I won't fetch much money," Mi Xingzhe said, feeling wronged.
"Who said anything about selling you?"
"Then, can I leave?" Mi Xingzhe asked timidly, lowering his head.
"No," Li Luoning replied coldly.
Mi Xingzhe lifted his head, tears welling up in his eyes due to fear.
"Don't you understand the concept of repaying kindness?" Li Luoning's tone changed, with a hint of questioning.
"I do," Mi Xingzhe muttered somewhat resentfully.
Li Luoning stared at the young man in front of him and quickly saw through Mi Xingzhe's thoughts.
He knew that Mi Xingzhe actually wanted to stay here but was afraid of being discovered due to his spiritual body, so he was eager to escape. After all, as a spiritual being, he was nothing more than a slave to be bought and sold at will in the mortal realm.
Approaching Mi Xingzhe step by step, Li Luoning found Mi Xingzhe's cowardly and resentful appearance quite amusing.
"You just bit me, and you think that's all there is to it?" Li Luoning bent down, towering over Mi Xingzhe, his face getting closer and closer.
"I... I didn't mean to just now," Mi Xingzhe stammered, feeling overwhelmed by this sudden pressure.
"Stay here, you're not allowed to go anywhere without my permission," Li Luoning said lightly, then walked around Mi Xingzhe and left the room.
Seeing this, Mi Xingzhe wanted to follow, but Li Luoning gently waved his hand, and the door closed with a snap.
At lunchtime,
Li Luoning approached Mi Xingzhe's room and peeked through the window, seeing Mi Xingzhe curled up on the bed.
Although spiritual beings were rare, encounters with them were not unheard of. However, encountering a spiritual being like Mi Xingzhe, who resembled an ordinary person, was truly uncommon.
Li Luoning lowered his head in contemplation for a moment, then turned to leave.
Facing Yun Qingyi holding a tray, "Master, are you going out again?"
"Mm." Li Luoning responded before leaving.
Yun Qingyi didn't ask much, just brought a tray with a bottle and a few pieces of white cloth, quickly and quietly entering the room.
"You're awake, do you want some water?" Seeing Mi Xingzhe sitting blankly on the bed, Yun Qingyi placed the tray on the table, poured a glass of water, and handed it over.
Mi Xingzhe looked up at the older brother in front of him, who smiled kindly, his eyes full of warmth. With his rosy lips and white teeth, he appeared gentle and friendly, giving off a familiar feeling that made one naturally want to approach.
Raising his hand to signal Mi Xingzhe to take the glass, Yun Qingyi sat down next to him, casually took his hand, and while helping him change the dressing, spoke in a soft tone, "My name is Yun Qingyi, also picked up by Master. You can call me Brother Qingyi from now on."
As Yun Qingyi spoke, he gently changed Mi Xingzhe's bandages. His movements were very gentle, as if he were treating an injured kitten.
"Your condition seems to have finally improved in the past few days. Do you know? When Master picked you up, you were barely clinging to life. If it weren't for him watching over you these days, you'd probably have disappeared by now. But just now, I saw Master leave with a dark expression. What did you say to him?" Yun Qingyi asked.
"I... didn't say anything." Mi Xingzhe replied, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
"Master is like this. Although he seems a bit cold on the surface and gives the impression of keeping people at arm's length, he's actually very kind-hearted. You don't need to worry about it. In the future, just stay here with peace of mind, and everything will be fine." Yun Qingyi tidied up things and gently patted Mi Xingzhe.
"Bro... Brother Qingyi..." Mi Xingzhe hesitantly called out.
"What's wrong?" Yun Qingyi turned his head, his eyes showing a gentle expression, and smiled. He couldn't explain why, but when he heard this Brother Qingyi, he felt ecstatic.
"Nothing..." This sudden kindness made Mi Xingzhe feel a little uncomfortable.
"Your name is Mi Xingzhe, right? Then I'll call you Brother Xingzhe from now on?" Yun Qingyi rubbed Mi Xingzhe's hair with a smile, the tenderness in his brows and eyes as beautiful as the clear spring water in the mountains.
"....Okay." Mi Xingzhe nodded slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. He couldn't explain why he felt so trusting of this big brother he had just met.
Gurgle...
Mi Xingzhe's stomach couldn't wait for his slow expression, so he protested with his own voice.
"So you're hungry, huh? Lunch is ready, I'll bring it to you right away. You must be starving; you haven't eaten anything in these past few days while you were unconscious." Yun Qingyi smiled and said, walking out of the room.
Watching his retreating figure, Mi Xingzhe felt a bit strange. Where did this inexplicable warmth towards him come from?
In the afternoon sunlight, the shadows of peach blossoms danced lightly on the stone table in the courtyard. Mi Xingzhe leaned against the window, watching as the breeze gently blew, causing the leaves in the courtyard to flutter down.
Suddenly, he remembered what Grandpa Mi had once said to him. Being a Spirit Without Dan was different, and being a spirit like himself, able to freely control his body, was even rarer. However, the lifespan of such a spirit was not long. Perhaps before long, he would also turn into nothingness like these falling leaves, returning his soul to the earth.
"Have you ever thought about what you'd want to be in the next life?" Mi Xingzhe, leaning against the window, looked at the few birds on the treetops nearby and asked casually.
Li Luoning held the medical book in his hand, glanced at Mi Xingzhe, then continued reading the ancient book in his hand.
"If there's a next life, I want to be a cat." Mi Xingzhe thought for a moment, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"A cat?" Hearing his words, Li Luoning looked at Mi Xingzhe with interest, then put down the medical book in his hand and asked.
"Yes, just be a beautiful white three-colored cat. Live a simple and peaceful life, bask in the sun every day, groom my fur, and live a calm life. A lifespan of several decades would be enough." Mi Xingzhe's voice carried a hint of envy in his answer.
"Although I don't know why you insist on keeping me here, I'm still grateful for your hospitality during this time, and for your hard work in treating my body." Mi Xingzhe turned his head to look at Li Luoning, smiling with gratitude.
This sudden gratitude caught Li Luoning off guard, and he raised his eyebrows slightly as he glanced at the young man by the window. With a faint smile, he said, "No need to thank me."
As he watched Li Luoning continue to read with his head down, Mi Xingzhe's gaze changed. "If I weren't a Spirit Without Dan, how good would that be?"
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone