Chapter 846: Chapter 100: Difficult to Say, Master
Jiang Wang and the others had not yet squeezed into the front hall when a cacophony of voices reached them first.
"Master, Master! I am trapped outside the Heaven and Earth Gate. What method should I use to free myself?"
A robust, vigorous voice replied, "Wait a moment!"
"Master, please help me. How can I clear the fog of ignorance? Every time I explore, I feel powerless and often fear losing my way."
The previous voice responded, "Stop for a moment!"
"Master, when can I open my meridians? Can you, with a glance, improve my physical condition?"
The voice answered again, "Let’s see!"
The responses were simple, but each was to the point and full of truth. They were truly enlightening.
"Truly worthy of being called the Master Nanshuo!"
Jiang Wang heard such praises around him.
After three questions and answers, the voice called out, "Today’s three questions are over. Everyone may rest!"
Then came the voice of Yang Liu, the true disciple of Diao Hai Building, "The master only answers three questions each time he appears, apart from special invitations. It’s the rule of the exalted, not to be lightly broken. Please do not block the way or disturb any further!"
Jiang Wang turned the corner and saw an old man with a face covered by a round cat mask and white frosty hair, his long sleeves flapping, exuding an aura of immortality, walking among a crowd of people.
This brown round cat mask was the hallmark of Master Nanshuo.
The master wandered the human world only to help others, not caring for fame, thus he showed himself only with the cat mask. Therefore, he was also known as – the Cat Immortal.
Yang Liu walked alongside, slightly turning his body to respectfully speak to Master Nanshuo.
Many were unwilling but had to clear the way.
On Little Crescent Island, not many dared to offend a true disciple of Diao Hai Building, let alone Master Nanshuo.
Seeing the master was already a rare opportunity. Those who hadn’t managed to ask one of the first three questions had little to complain about.
"How do you assess his cultivation?" Li Longchuan asked through a voice transmission.
Jiang Wang shook his head, "Blurry and indistinct, hard to see clearly."
"Indeed," the voice of Li Longchuan was heavy, "this person is unfathomable."
Li Longchuan, coming from one of Qi Country’s top families, had high standards. He had seen countless strong individuals but still couldn’t gauge Master Nanshuo’s strength.
This shows how formidable he was.
The hall of the Suddenly Tea Room was a very large teahouse, divided into several sections by screens for guests to sit and drink tea.
At this moment, the low tables and screens had been cleared away. Only in the very center was a Dragon and Morning Wood table set up, surrounded by four Sky-Blue Silk and Thatch Cushions.
Clearly, Yang Liu had not prepared seats for others.
Yet this did not prevent the many tea guests from squeezing against the walls and sitting on the floor. Just listening in on Master Nanshuo’s resolutions was immensely beneficial!
Master Nanshuo, unopposed, sat at the head of the table. Zhao Wuyan, the Dao seeker, naturally sat opposite him.
Zi Shu and Yang Liu then sat down on either side.
Looking at the bystanders crowding several rows along the walls.
The quiet teahouse had virtually turned into a venue for preaching.
But apart from Xu Xiangqian, who was burning with jealousy, there was probably no one else who objected.
The crowd here wasn’t entirely made up of tea patrons, many had swarmed here upon hearing the news of Master Nan Shuo’s appearance. The owner of the tea house had no choice but to close the doors and announce a shutdown to prevent the calamity of the establishment being overwhelmed.
The reputation of Master Nan Shuo was evident from this. To say that he was pursued by thousands was no exaggeration.
"Ahem." Yang Liu took a seat there, vibrant as ever, reaching for the teapot while saying with a compliment, "It’s truly an honor for Yang to have Master Nan Shuo spare his time to come here today."
Zhao Wuyan was quicker, grabbing the teapot first, "Allow me."
Since she was a Dao seeker, this was naturally her duty.
Warming the cups and the pot, the dragon enters the palace, washing the tea, dotting the tea...
Her movements were elegant and composed, a truly delightful sight to behold.
Yang Liu’s eyes gleamed with deeper amusement, not vying with her, only addressing Master Nan Shuo, "If it were for my own matters, Yang wouldn’t be in such a hurry. It is actually my older apprentice sister’s situation that deeply worries me..."
He stopped there and changed the subject, "I forgot to introduce her to you, Master. This older apprentice sister of mine is a student of Longmen Academy, a true pride of heaven."
Zhao Wuyan smiled timely, "Junior Zhao Wuyan."
The round cat mask hid Master Nan Shuo’s expression, but not his deep and distant gaze.
He sat solemnly, nodding slightly. He seemed uninterested in the reputation of Longmen Academy, merely saying, "Although you come from a prestigious institution, you must not be negligent."
Being someone who could mentor Chen Zhitao, he naturally had the authority to speak these words.
Zhao Wuyan paused in her actions, bowing her head, "The junior dares not. I diligently practice every day, through cold and heat."
Master Nan Shuo nodded slightly, seemingly approving of this attitude. After a moment of contemplation, he asked softly, "What troubles you?"
At the right moment, Zhao Wuyan presented the tea cup. Waiting until Master Nan Shuo extended his hand to take it, she then folded her hands in front of her and spoke properly, "Junior has already reached the pinnacle at the Outer Building two years ago and has prospects for her future path. However, regarding the Pathway of God’s Arrival, I am still unable to decide. Over these two years, not only have I not clarified things, but I’ve become even more confused. I truly don’t know where the path lies!"
Jiang Wang and Li Longchuan exchanged glances, both seeing astonishment in each other’s eyes. Xu Xiangqian might not be exceptional in many ways, but his taste in women was first-rate.
Zhao Wuyan, who had already reached the pinnacle of the Outer Building two years ago, unquestionably had outstanding talent.
Moreover, from her words, her struggle before God’s Arrival was not due to a lack of direction, but rather because she was too talented and had too many paths to choose from, making it impossible for her to decide!
Such a struggle, in another person, might seem fussy. But both Jiang Wang and Li Longchuan, being individuals of exceptional talents, could of course understand this demanding nature toward oneself.
If it’s not the steadfast, best path, they’d rather not take a step. Without this demanding nature towards perfection, how could one become a pride of heaven?
"Difficult, difficult," the Master sighed deeply.
"Difficult" was precisely this Master’s catchphrase, and the reason why he was known as "Master Nan Shuo."
The pathway of cultivation is indeed indescribable. Without profound and penetrating insights, it is difficult to clarify.
In the Near Sea, strong individuals abound, most burdened by various matters. Like Master Nan Shuo, who had the time to roam as an Immortal and enlighten all beings, there were indeed very few.
"Though difficult, please, Master, offer some guidance," Yang Liu softly spoke at the side, gently pushing forward a square box.
With jade inlaid and beads dotted, bearing carvings by a renowned School of Names.
One need not open it to know the significant value of this gift from its exterior.
However, Master Nan Shuo didn’t even spare a glance at it, just addressing Zhao Wuyan, "Whether to choose this, that, embrace both, or discard all and seek another path, none may necessarily be a wrong choice. The Great Tao is like the Celestial Sky, boundless and endless. I have only one piece of advice, follow where the heart leads, where the person goes."
Zhao Wuyan pondered thoughtfully, yet a bit confused.
Master Nan Shuo then asked, "Does it feel like you understand something, yet also like you understand nothing?"
Zhao Wuyan, feeling embarrassed, bowed her head, "The junior is ignorant."
"This shows your cultivation is not yet profound, your Taoist heart is not yet steadfast enough. Unable still to cleanse all impurities and see your true nature. You need to experience more," Master Nan Shuo casually placed the square box into his sleeve and sighed, "To say more is rather fruitless."
