On the other side

"I got scammed by that old man" a scream sounded in the house that was situated near the bank of a large river.

This was Sauren who was screaming on top of his voice cursing Bushin all the way. He was standing in the middle of the yard in front of the house with a broom in his hand.

It all started when Bushin and Sauren arrived at this isolated house built in the traditional Chinese way which was noticed by the Sauren in the first look.

Bushin made him stay in this place and gave his first order as Master,

"Look, Sauren to learn from the master you need to be properly trained beforehand in few qualities. These qualities will ensure a proper foundation for a fine warrior.

And as I have noticed you are yet to be master of basic qualities which students should possess like diligence, hard work, punctuality, etc.

So Before starting to teach you you have to develop these characteristics. I am going to important work in the city, so you have to live here by yourself.

You have to just ensure to follow routine written in this note properly, each day without fail." He declared and placed a folded paper on the table in front of him.

"Remember no cheating, only diligence can grind a person into a fine warrior. After I depart from here you can open the paper."

Sauren was skeptical of the old man's intention. First, he brought him here himself, now he has another matter to attend. This whole matter reeked of scam to Sauren who had listened to his share of scam stories on earth.

It was basically the same, the first scammer lures the unsuspected customer to his location by giving promise of large benefits. Then after he successfully manages to capture their whole focus they began to give excuses to how this offer is only for them even they as sellers are earning nothing.

But they have to take a little money in the name so they can satisfy the numbers in the documents. As soon as the customer opens his wallet they by hook and crook manages to make it empty and then runs away.

Sauren was going to object but before he can open his mouth Bushin stood up and waved his hand.

Without a sound, in front of him, he vanished like a ghost from that place. Sauren was dumbstruck at such a method of travel. He had no idea how he achieved that.

He went towards the table and looked over the paper. On it was written a simple timetable he has to follow.

"What the fu*k is this? " Sauren slammed the table in annoyance. The whole schedule he has to follow was of a simple priest living in the old temple. Waking at sunrise, cleaning, sweeping, cooking, fishing, calligraphy, cutting woods, etc.

Moreover, there was no mention of any type of training. No exercise, no element training. He was supposed to live a simple life as described in it.

Sauren took a deep breath and calmed his mind. On the second thought, it is not so bad. Maybe words of Bushin were of some merit. He had to follow it only for few days. He would consider it as a practice of his daoism.

So the day by day passed with Sauren living the life of a hermit. He was busy from day to night doing simple chores.

He grumbled and complained greatly but always followed the schedule to strictness.

But it was over fifteen days now and there was no sign of Bushin. He had his suspicions of this whole matter as a scam growing day by day but now he had a feeling that he was duped by that old fogey.

He screamed a bit to satisfy his foul mood. Then continued to sweep the yard of leaves.

To make sure he didn't go insane with the loneliness he often talked to himself.

"I think I will leave after a month. Sh*t, how will I explain this to Zeph. He will be laughing at me for sure.

This was a very creepy case maybe that old man wanted to play a prank on me but why would he go on to such lengths to dupe common warrior like me.

Ah, maybe he had his brain grown mushy by such old age. How old he is maybe 150 or 160. These fellows live much longer as compared back to….."

"Who are you calling old boy?"

A gruff voice sounded behind Sauren which scared the daylights out of him.

"Hey at least come through the door. And I thought you have forgotten that you have left someone stranded on the isolated house here."

"This is outside, where is a door and also I can come to MY house in whatever way I prefer. And I have not forgotten about you. I was observing your performance.

You have done quite well, except for some loud mouthing. Let's go inside. Your lessons start from today, boy. "

Sauren threw the broom away happily and followed behind Bushin inside the house.