Ge Xiaoxian

The portly monk chuckled and gestured to Huo Xuan. "Please, have a seat."

Huo Xuan nodded slightly and settled onto a grass mat, his gaze shifting between the elderly man and the young woman. "I presume you two are the honored guests of this temple? May I ask why you wished to see me?"

The ageless elder studied Huo Xuan for a few seconds before sighing in admiration. "Hua Buyi did not deceive me—you truly possess the veins of an immortal!"

The portly monk blinked and countered, "Not so. This benefactor is bathed in Buddha's light. He has a deep connection with Buddhism, not your immortal path."

The young woman stifled a laugh. "Venerable One, are you trying to recruit him as a monk?"

Yunhu, the Cloud Tiger Zen Master, waved his hand. "No, I wish for him to become a Buddha amidst the mortal world, saving all sentient beings."

Listening to their exchange, Huo Xuan was inwardly startled. They know my master? He quickly clasped his hands in respect. "May I ask for your esteemed names?"

The elder smiled. "This old man is Ge Chunqiu, and this is my granddaughter, Ge Xiaoxian."

Huo Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Could this be the 'Immortal Ge' Master mentioned? He glanced at the young woman again. "So it's the revered Immortal Ge. This junior pays his respects."

"No need for such courtesy," Ge Chunqiu chuckled. "You are destined to become a Buddha or an immortal. If anything, I should be the one showing respect."

Huo Xuan was taken aback. Why does this sound like that old swindler's words?

The portly monk interjected, "Elder Ge, with your insight, you must see that this young man is fated to be surrounded by romantic entanglements."

Ge Chunqiu stroked his beard. "That's none of my concern. Xiaoxian can handle what she can. The younger generation must forge their own path." He turned to Huo Xuan. "Young man, your master once came to Kunlun to propose a marriage alliance. I have already agreed. Xiaoxian is your betrothed, though she has yet to enter the secular world. Since you've met today, take her with you."

Huo Xuan was stunned. Just like that?

"What? You object?" Ge Chunqiu's expression darkened. "If you refuse, consider the engagement canceled. You can explain it to Hua Buyi yourself."

Huo Xuan paled. If this marriage fell through, Hua Buyi would surely skin him alive. He hurriedly replied, "This junior does not object. It's just... sudden. I need time to adjust."

"Humph! A true man acts decisively. How can you accomplish great things with such hesitation?" Ge Chunqiu scolded.

Huo Xuan could only nod meekly, inwardly sighing.

The young woman, her bright eyes gleaming, gave Huo Xuan a sidelong glance. "Fool, don't celebrate yet. I haven't agreed to this marriage either."

Huo Xuan thought, When did I celebrate? But the more he looked at her, the more he was struck by her ethereal beauty—like a celestial maiden stepping out of a painting. No wonder she was named "Xiaoxian" (Little Immortal).

The portly monk couldn't resist adding, "Benefactor Huo, you have a deep connection with Buddhism. Why not take me as your master? I can pass on the secrets of Zen to you."

Huo Xuan rubbed his nose. "Thank you for your kindness, Venerable One. I have already studied under the Sword God, the Invincible Lu, the True Suchness Immortal, the Master of Jade Void Temple, and the Boundless Chu. My master has also taught me the miraculous arts of the Shennong Sect. With so many esteemed teachers, I dare not overreach."

At this, even Ge Chunqiu was dumbfounded. After a long pause, he muttered, "Hua Buyi really went all out..."

The portly monk sighed. "So True Suchness taught you as well. From your stance, you must have learned the Riding Dragon Step. Her master, Yunlong Zen Master, was my senior brother. The two of us trained separately—he in the Riding Dragon Step, I in the Subduing Tiger Stance. Our master, the Free Cloud Zen Master, once said that when these two arts merge, they form the 'Dragon-Tiger Harmony,' multiplying their power tenfold."

He waved a hand. "Enough. Since you are fated with Buddhism and have learned my senior brother's techniques, I shall pass the Dragon-Tiger Stance to you as a gesture of goodwill."

Only then did Huo Xuan realize that this Yunhu Zen Master was the martial uncle of the True Suchness Immortal. He immediately bowed deeply. "This junior is deeply grateful for your generosity."

Ge Chunqiu chuckled. "Since the old monk is sharing his prized techniques, I shall take my leave."

Yunhu Zen Master interjected, "Let your granddaughter learn as well. She will be Huo Xuan's wife sooner or later. If he learns it, won't he teach her?"

Ge Chunqiu laughed heartily. "Very well! This old man won't stand in the way." He turned to Ge Xiaoxian. "Xiaoxian, go with Huo Xuan when you descend the mountain today."

Ge Xiaoxian nodded calmly. "Grandfather, I understand. Don't worry."

With that, Ge Chunqiu strode out of the temple.

Once he left, Yunhu Zen Master began instructing Huo Xuan in the Subduing Tiger Stance. With Huo Xuan's keen perception, he grasped its essence within an hour. To his surprise, Ge Xiaoxian's eyes also gleamed with comprehension—her aptitude was extraordinary.

After the lesson, Yunhu Zen Master said, "Benefactor Huo, I have a young disciple named Colorless. His bones are exceptional, and he has mastered my teachings. I wish for him to accompany you down the mountain to search for his long-lost parents."

Huo Xuan asked, "Venerable One, where did you find Colorless? Do you not know his parents?"

"I didn't 'find' him. He was abandoned by the roadside, and I took him in." Yunhu produced a jade pendant. "This was the only thing with him—likely tied to his origins."

Huo Xuan examined the exquisitely carved mutton-fat jade pendant, recognizing its immense value.

"Venerable One, Colorless has yet to reach the Dark Jin stage. Let him train here for another year or two. Once he's stronger, he can descend the mountain. I'll investigate his parents' whereabouts in the meantime," Huo Xuan suggested.

Yunhu Zen Master nodded. "Very well. When he reaches the peak of Dark Jin, I'll send him to you."

After a few more words, Huo Xuan took his leave. Ge Xiaoxian, however, did not follow.

Outside, Lin Yue and Colorless were still waiting, chatting idly.

Lin Yue hurried over. "Little brother, what took so long?"

Huo Xuan smiled. "The venerable master taught me a martial art. It took some time." He turned to Colorless. "Colorless, I don't have time to raise this lion cub. Would you care for it in my stead?"

Colorless's eyes lit up. He already had a tiger—adding a lion would be even more fun. "Of course! I'll make sure it grows plump and healthy."

Huo Xuan chuckled. "Thank you."

Instead of descending immediately, he found a spot to roast the roe deer. Only after a hearty meal did he and Lin Yue finally leave the mountain.