Formalities

Weisheng guided Xiaoling back to her room after she felt better. She told him her vision was still blurry, so he offered to take her back. After ensuring she was in bed, he returned to his room. 

In the morning, someone knocked at his door. He sat up with a jolt since a potential spirit knocked at his door. Although he had accepted Ru and Hai as his mates, it was still hard to sleep soundly in a house full of spirits. 

"Who is it?" Weisheng walked out of the bed as he asked out loud. He opened the door to see Hai standing outside. 

"Hello, bro," Hai said casually, "Master is calling you for breakfast." He swiftly added before leaving. 

Weisheng closed the door in confusion. He changed into presentable clothes. He hadn't brought any of his clothes here. The wardrobe only consisted of hanfu. He changed into the most comfortable-looking hanfu. Since Hai was the one who arranged the job, Weisheng wondered why he chose to stack the wardrobe with hanfu - an article of clothing Weisheng didn't even prefer wearing. 

He wore into it regardless. Today was his last day at Xiaoling's residence anyway. Despite being the home to many spirits, Weisheng found it more comfortable than his house. At his house, all he could think about were the cases he had left on hold, the man he murdered, and his father's case report that he failed to achieve. 

At Xiaoling's residence, there were too many distractions to think about one topic. It made him feel at ease instead of overwhelming him. 

Weisheng walked out of his room, hesitantly walking in the hallway while wondering which room he was supposed to go to. It couldn't be the lounge, right? That was where Xiaoling's Godmother rested. What if she tried to attack him again? 

Weisheng cluelessly stumbled across the hallway, putting his ear to each door he saw. As he reached the lounge, he put his ear to it, hearing the clanking of porcelain utensils and the laughter of the common folk of the residence. He gulped as he hesitantly grabbed the doorknob. 

"Step aside!" He heard a woman behind him speak scornfully. 

Weisheng turned around to see Xiaoling's Godmother standing tall behind him. He instantly fell to his knees and stared at the ground. He had stared into her eyes. He wondered if he would get punished for that. 

The lady scoffed loudly, walking past him to enter the lounge. She left the door open for him. Weisheng rose skeptically. He stood up and hesitantly entered the room. 

Xiaoling noticed him entering the room, so she gestured to him from the table to sit with them. Weisheng skeptically walked over to the table, his eyes on Xiaoling's Godmother, who sat away from them. The lady sat by the warm fireplace, turning her back on them. 

Suddenly, Weisheng felt a tug on his sleeve, pulling him down. He looked at Xiaoling, who forcibly made him sit. She smiled at him. 

"Next time you wake up, don't forget morning greetings. I shouldn't be the first to greet you, but you." Xiaoling lectured him with a gentle voice. 

"Oh," Weisheng cleared his throat, "Good morning, Master. I hope you slept well last night." 

"Thanks for asking," Xiaoling smiled in success, "Let's eat now." 

Weisheng looked down at the table. The food looked regular. He wondered why he thought spirits ate different food. Then he remembered that there were still humans on the table, him and Xiaoling. 

When Xiaoling took the first bite, only then her disciples started to eat. Weisheng quietly observed every gesture. He was slowly understanding that he had to fulfill all the formalities of being Xiaoling's disciple. He wondered if it was okay to talk while eating. 

Everyone was quiet. Weisheng wanted to ask questions, but the atmosphere prevented him. As soon as they finished breakfast, a maid arrived and cleaned the table in an instant. Another maid followed, serving tea to everyone. Weisheng knew Xiaoling was wealthy, but it still surprised him. He had grown up being pampered with wealth as well. But it surprised him nonetheless. How could someone make so much money by being a sorceress in this day and age? Did people even believe in such professions? 

"Master," Ru murmured as he held his teacup, "If you may allow it, I wish to visit the Heaven Realm." 

Maybe they could speak now. Weisheng quietly observed Xiaoling. 

"Hmm," Xiaoling hummed to think, "Why all of a sudden?" She asked. 

"I've been looking into the cure for Mr. Yuan's Spiritual Roots. There is a lake in the Heaven Realm that has piqued my curiosity. I would like to see if the rumors about that lake hold any merit." Ru explained eloquently, "The trip will take no less than two days if you allow me." 

"What rumors?" Xiaoling asked. 

"Rumor has it that the Duyi Lake in the Heaven Realm enables one to relive one's past life. If Mr. Yuan can relive his past and fix his mistakes, his Spiritual Roots will return to normal." Ru explained. 

Xiaoling nodded, "In that case, you may leave." 

Ru clasped his hands before himself and lightly bowed to Xiaoling. Silence prevailed over the table again. Weisheng wondered if he could talk now. He opened his mouth to ask the question he buried earlier when Qiang conveniently interrupted him. 

"Big sister," Qiang murmured, "I thought about what you said this morning. I think we should go shopping." She said with a smile, "What do you think?" 

Xiaoling smiled, "Sure," She nodded, "We can go tomorrow. I have to teach things to Weisheng today." 

That meant that Xiaoling had listened to Weisheng's advice and shared her true feelings with Qiang. Weisheng smiled at the thought, forgetting he had a question to ask. Before he could bring himself to ask the question, Hai spoke with a loud voice. 

"Actually, I need some time off, too," Hai said. 

"For what?" Xiaoling asked. 

"I found a very cute cat the other day," Hai said, "I want to adopt it, but I lost it to some stupid spirits. So, I want to go check on him. Poor catto." 

Xiaoling chuckled, "You don't need to ask me for that," She said, "You can go!" 

Weisheng smiled at their small conversation, forgetting he had questions to ask. All these formalities kept him from speaking.