Storm Surge (Part 2)

I hurried to lower my head respectfully. "Greetings, Elder Tao," I said, mimicking the way the boy addressed him, uncertain of his exact role within the sect. "My name is Luo Fan. I possess both a light and a dark core, and I wish to ask if the sect is willing to accept disciples of my… age."

Elder Tao froze mid-step. His eyes widened in astonishment, and his mouth fell open slightly as he processed my words. "A… dual core?" he asked, his voice trembling with disbelief.

"Yes, Elder Tao," I confirmed with a nod.

For a moment, he stared at me as though I had claimed to be an immortal descended from the heavens. Then, slowly, his expression softened into a smile—one that quickly turned into a grin. A heartbeat later, he threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the dilapidated hall.

"Finally!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "This sect has found a true disciple at last!"

I frowned, unsure of what he meant. "I'm afraid I don't quite understand, Elder Tao," I said cautiously.

Elder Tao turned and called out in a booming voice, "Xiao Leng! Come here at once!"

A moment later, a smaller boy, younger than Nan Wucheng, came rushing into the room. His round face was flushed from running, and he paused uncertainly when his eyes landed on me.

"Come," Elder Tao beckoned. "Come meet our first dual-core disciple, and your future master."

The boy's eyes lit up with pure delight. He dashed to Nan Wucheng's side, and together, they folded their arms respectfully, dropped to their knees, and were about to kowtow before me.

"Wait!" I blurted, holding up my hands to stop them. They froze mid-bow, looking at me in confusion. "Please don't bow to me. I'm just a second-level cultivator. I am not worthy to be anyone's master. Rise, both of you."

The boys exchanged a quick glance, then reluctantly rose to their feet.

"Don't worry, they're just expressing their joy at your arrival," Elder Tao said with a chuckle. "These children have been waiting for someone like you for a long time."

I bowed my head slightly toward the boys. "If anything, I should be the one bowing to them," I said earnestly. "I arrived after them, which makes them my senior."

Elder Tao shook his head, his smile never wavering. "That's true but the situation here is different. Though we've been keeping this temple alive for years, none of us are true disciples of this sect. Only a dual-core cultivator can claim that status. You are the first true disciple this temple has seen in decades."

The weight of his words sank into me like a stone. My heart tightened. "You mean… this sect hasn't had a dual-core disciple for a long time?" I asked softly.

Elder Tao nodded. "It's been forty years since I was appointed the caretaker of this temple, and in all that time, you are the first dual-core to walk through these gates. That's why this is such a momentous occasion for us. Today is truly a blessed day."

I swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel honored or burdened by the revelation. "Thank you, Priest Tao," I said quietly, trying to mask my unease.

"Please, call me Tao Liu. Formalities are unnecessary here."

"Then, Tao Liu," I asked hesitantly, "since there is no master in the sect, who will induct me as a disciple?"

Tao Liu's expression brightened. "That responsibility falls to me. When I was appointed caretaker, I was entrusted with a scroll granting me the authority to accept disciples on behalf of the sect. While I cannot serve as a master, I can ensure that new disciples are formally inducted and can begin studying the teachings left behind by our predecessors."

I felt a surge of relief at his explanation, my earlier doubts about the sect's legitimacy easing slightly. "That's more than sufficient," I replied, nodding.

"Wucheng! Leng! Prepare the incense and candles," Tao Liu called after them. "Set them on the altar in the sacred ground. And tell Bing Hai to prepare a special meal for this special occasion. Oh, and don't forget the tea!"

The boys, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly perked up. "Yes, Elder Tao!" they chorused, and without another word, they scampered toward a back door. They were brimming with energy and carried a slight chubbiness, a clear indication that they were well-fed despite the temple's dire conditions.

"Please, sit down," Tao Liu said the moment the children were gone. His voice carried an easy warmth, his demeanor calm and composed.

I returned to my seat, settling on the bamboo chair with a small sigh of relief. My body still ached from the long journey, and the idea of resting in one place, even momentarily, was a comfort I hadn't realized I needed.

"How many residents does this temple have at the moment?" I asked, genuinely curious about the state of the sect.

"Aside from you, there are only four of us," Tao Liu replied, his tone tinged with a mix of pride and resignation. "You've met the two boys—Nan Wucheng and Xiao Leng. They've been here since they were small. Then there's Bing Hai. He's nineteen, but he's not cultivating."

"Not cultivating?" I asked, surprised. A temple, especially one tied to a sect, seemed an unusual place for someone not to pursue cultivation.

Tao Liu nodded. "His foundation is weak, and his intelligence is… well, not up to par. He struggles to understand even the most basic techniques, but he's good at house chores. I've kept him around because there's nowhere else for him to go. His parents passed away long ago, and none of his relatives wanted him."

I frowned, my heart sinking a little at the thought. "I'd like to meet him," I said.

"You will," Tao Liu assured me. "He'll be the one bringing us tea shortly."

We fell into a brief silence, the quiet hum of the temple settling around us. I took a slow breath, contemplating what to say next. There was something I needed to clarify before we could move forward.

"Elder Tao," I began carefully, "there's something you should know before we proceed."

He tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Go ahead."

"There's a problem with my vision," I explained. "I can see people and objects well enough, but I cannot read the writing on books. The teachings in the library… I won't be able to read them myself."

Tao Liu studied me for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded, a reassuring smile spreading across his face. "That shouldn't be a problem. Nan Wucheng can assist you. He's only thirteen, but the boy is sharp. He's been reading the books in the library already, though his understanding is limited."

I smiled faintly. "That's perfect. In return, I'll do my best to impart what I can to him and Xiao Leng from what I manage to comprehend."

"They'll be delighted," Tao Liu said warmly. His gaze softened as he looked at me more closely, his brows knitting together in faint concern. "I must say, Luo Fan… you look frail. Is there an illness that's been troubling you?"