The Masked Cultivator

After some time, Mrs. Ping came up and served him tea, Sect leader Zhen looked at the two with a stern look and refused to drink the tea. Mrs. Ping then surrendered and went to get Lianming out to serve him tea instead.

For the couple it doesn't mean that much if Lianming served him tea, once he makes a mistake or accidentally spills it, they will then apologize and proceed to tell Sect Leader Zhen about them teaching him right manners towards a sect leader and assure him of Lianming's safety as he leaves, then they can torture and kill him to silence his mouth once and for all and make it look like he did it on his own and ask empathy for people who hear their story of trying to stop him from taking his own life but failing to do so.

But if Sect Leader Zhen is here to learn about the truth, and start taking Lianming's side, it will spell a great trouble to the Ping family and their children, once the truth unfolds people will undeniably start haunting them and will not stop until the whole family recieves retribution, and if such an event happens, even their children wont be spared by anyone.

Lianming came out from the kitchen bringing a tray with a teapot, a saucer, a small cup and some sweets in it. His movement was slow since he made sure that the tea will not spill from the small pot or the cup will not fall and break. Seeing how careful Lianming was, Mrs. Ping couldn't hide the seething anger from her eyes wishing Lianming to fall miserably and break everything.

"Sect Leader Ping" Sect leader Zhen called out, Mr. Ping quickly turned his gaze away from Lianming and smiled nervously on Sect leader Zhen. "Yes, what is it Sect Leader Zhen?" he replied, by then Lianming arrived at their table and carefully placed the tea cup in front of Sect Leader Zhen, he then took the pot and gently poured the tea towards the cup.

Mrs. Ping tried to move the table in order to spill some tea and abruptly call Lianming disrespectful but Lianming was careful enough on pouring the tea and Sect Leader Zhen was glaring right at the couple. After serving, Lianming slowly stood up and bowed, he then went away without a sound, not even a footstep was heard as he walked away.

Sect Leader Zhen proceeded to take a sip from the tea and started to clear his throat, "Have you heard of the Masked Cultivator?" he asked. The Ping's were both surprised and dumbfounded at his question. They really thought he was here to save Lianming but it seems like he just wanted to share a random story.

Mr.Ping laughed and shook his head "A story? I never heard such! tell me Sect Leader Zhen, who is this, Masked Cultivator?" he spoke, the tone of fear vanished without a trace, Mrs. Ping also relaxed and nodded wanting to hear the story. Sect leader Zhen placed the cup back to the table and nodded in response.

"The masked cultivator has been known throughout the cultivation world as the strongest cultivator to have ever lived. Even though he was strong, he had always hidden his face with a mask whenever he travels. No one knew where he came and what his past was, but everyone knew of his fame and power, thus no one dared to fight him or ask his identity."

The Ping's were silent and nodded along each sentence Sect Leader Zhen spoke, acting like they were interested enough. Meanwhile, Lianming was standing behind the sliding door near the pavillion silently listening to the story as well.

"The masked cultivator had always helped people in need and had always known the truth behind all the lies. The people he saved revered him as a God, while his enemies saw him as an undying evil. However, after saving a boy and helping him reach his dreams, he finally became silent. Some say he vanished and took a peaceful life on the mountains while other think that he was silenced and killed by his enemies."

Sect Leader Zhen took the cup and took another sip of tea, the Ping's were now genuinely interested on the story and also Lianming who sat behind the door.

"People speculated that the masked cultivator had a son of his own and followed his father's path, others say that it was their whole family who took the path of anonymosity. The last sighting of the masked cultivator was 35 years ago, and untill now, no masked cultivator wandered the world."

Mr. Ping laughed once more while Mrs. Ping was busy eating the sweets in their table, Sect Leader Zhen stared at the two, while Lianming was now wondering about who the masked cultivator was and how was his life before. Why didn't he reveal his face after his fame? Why didn't he fight back and erase his enemies? Did he really have a son? these questions ran around Lianming's mind. Mr. Ping was too busy laughing and Mrs. Ping went to the kitchen to get more tea and sweets.

Sect Leader Zhen silently stood up and went to the door where Lianming was hiding, "Escort me outside" he told him, Lianming was shocked at how he knew he was behind the door, but he didn't bother to think right now since the Ping's gurad were still down, it would also be a good time to escape. Lianming stood up, bowed to Sect leader Zhen, and escorted him outside the residence.

"If you feel that something will happen, read this spell out loud in your room or in the woods, it will help you." Sect Leader Zhen told Lianming as he gave him a piece of old torn book paper with a spell written in it, however the title of the spell was torn off. Sect Leader Zhen left without any other word, and Lianming was too confused about the paper that he forgot to ask Sect Leader Zhen about how he knew of the Masked Cultivator's story.