Zhao Ling and Li Wei walked away from the site of the explosion, leaving behind the destruction caused by an unexpected force. They walked through the dense forest, the tall, lush trees forming a natural canopy that blocked out the sky.
Sunlight peeked through the gaps in the leaves, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The sound of the wind and the rustling of the leaves accompanied their journey.
Li Wei looked curiously at Zhao Ling. "Where are we going, Master?" he asked.
Zhao Ling smiled slightly, "I'm taking you to my place."
After walking in silence for a while, Zhao Ling asked, "Li Wei, you were near the explosion from the beginning. Did you see who did it?"
Li Wei shook his head, lying with a innocent look. "No, Master. I didn't see anyone."
Zhao Ling watched Li Wei for a moment, then nodded. They walked on, crossing a small clear stream and slippery rocks. Li Wei hopped carefully over the stones, while Zhao Ling flew effortlessly.
After a while, Li Wei asked again, "Master, why don't we just fly to your place?"
Zhao Ling chuckled and wisely replied, "In the world of cultivation, there's no need to rush. The journey itself is part of the learning process. Appreciating each step we take will lead to a deeper understanding."
Li Wei frowned, confused by the answer. He sighed, feeling that there was still so much about the cultivation world that he didn't understand. "All right, Master," he said, trying to accept the explanation.
"I don't understand what he's talking about at all," Li Wei thought to himself.
Li Wei and his master, Zhao Ling, continued their journey, passing through various breathtaking natural landscapes. The days passed with new routines that became more and more familiar to Li Wei.
Dense forests and towering mountains formed the backdrop of their journey. The gentle breeze and distant birdsong accompanied their footsteps.
Every day, Zhao Ling demonstrated his skill by effortlessly killing the monsters they encountered along the way. Li Wei felt extremely fortunate to be able to taste monster meat, a food far superior to anything he had ever eaten as a slave.
Li Wei cried in his mind, "I hope those who are still in the demon sect can taste how delicious this meat will be."
Every night, Li Wei sat in meditation, feeling the flow of spiritual aura in his body.
One night, Zhao Ling watched as Li Wei continued to meditate without stopping. "Li Wei," he said softly but firmly, "sleeping is also part of training. Don't always force yourself to meditate without sleeping. Your body and mind need rest as well."
Li Wei listened seriously and then nodded. He begin to stop his habit and started to sleep after meditating. Zhao Ling nodded proudly, seeing his obedient and fast-learning student.
Whenever they stopped to rest, Li Wei would first meditate and then sleep soundly. Meanwhile, Zhao Ling was often seen writing something in a book, though Li Wei didn't know what it was.
The days passed in a soothing routine. Until one day they finally arrived at a place far beyond the city. The place looked peaceful and quiet, surrounded by dense forests and green hills. Zhao Ling led the way to a large, solid gate. Li Wei followed curiously.
As they passed through the gate, Li Wei saw a large courtyard with a large old tree in the middle. The tree looked ancient, with high branches and lush leaves. Around the tree were various plants that gave off a spiritual aura, making the air feel fresh and full of energy.
Zhao Ling stopped and turned around, smiling at Li Wei. "Welcome to my home, Li Wei," he said warmly.
Li Wei felt warmth and safety in this place. "Thank you, Master," he replied respectfully.
Zhao Ling pointed to a room at the side of the house, "Li Wei, clean up first. The bathroom is over there," he said calmly but firmly.
Li Wei nodded, relieved to be able to clean himself after the long journey. He walked to the bathroom that Zhao Ling showed him. The bathroom was simple but clean, with a large bucket of clear water and fragrant herbal soap.
"I don't know how this world made soap, but this is probably the first time I've been so clean in this world."
Li Wei begin to clean himself, the dust and sweat on his body washed away, even the fatigue from the long journey disappeared, perhaps for the first time he felt a rare peace.
***
Zhao Ling walked out of his house, heading towards what he thought was a town not too far away. He teleported to the front gate of the city, which was guarded by guards.
"Master Zhao, long time no see," one of the guards greeted him warmly.
Zhao Ling smiled. "I've been busy lately because I have a student."
"Ohh!" The guard was quite surprised. "That's great, I hope he's a good kid."
Zhao Ling nodded and then walked through the large gate.
He was looking for a clothes shop, and when he saw a sign for a clothes shop, he went in and picked out some clothes suitable for Li Wei.
The shopkeeper greeted the handsome customer as he entered. "Welcome to XXX Clothing Store. What kind of clothes are you looking for?"
The shopkeeper carefully measured Zhao Ling's body.
Zhao Ling chuckled and said, "I don't need any clothes for myself."
"So what do you need?" the shopkeeper asked.
"I need clothes suitable for a skinny eight year old kid."
"I see." The shopkeeper turned to look for suitable clothes. As he searched, he suddenly remembered. "Is the child you're talking about a boy or a girl?" the shopkeeper finally asked.
"A boy."
The shopkeeper nodded and found some good quality, soft and sturdy clothes.
After getting the clothes, he also bought shoes and some food from the nearby market.
Then he returned to his home, which was surrounded by an invisible protective formation, a very strong formation that only those he allowed could enter.
***
Li Wei, who had finished bathing, came out and saw the huge courtyard. The big old tree in the middle of the courtyard was emitting a strong spiritual aura, seemingly an endless source of energy. The air around the house felt fresh and full of spiritual power, making Li Wei feel that this place was truly special.
"It seems that Master really is an immortal," Li Wei thought.
Previously, Li Wei hadn't believed that Zhao Ling was an Immortal, but after seeing his residence with his own eyes, he finally believed him.
The front door opened and Zhao Ling appeared with a warm smile. "Li Wei," he called, "come here."
Li Wei approached and seeing Zhao Ling taking clothes out of his storage ring. The clothes consisted of a long dark blue robe with gold embroidery around the edges, and a pair of sturdy yet comfortable leather shoes. The robe was made of fine cloth.
"This is for you," Zhao Ling said as she handed the clothes to Li Wei.
Li Wei took the clothes carefully, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Master," he said respectfully.
He immediately went into a room to put the clothes on, feeling the comfort and warmth of the fabric.
Zhao Ling watched Li Wei come out with his new clothes and smiled with satisfaction. "The clothes suit you very well, Li Wei," he said. "Now, let's eat."
They walked into the dining room of the house, the table already filled with various foods that Zhao Ling had brought from the city. The delicious aroma of the food made Li Wei's stomach growl. They sat down and began to enjoy their meal.
Li Wei felt fortunate to have escaped from the demon sect and to have met a master who was an immortal.