劍問蒼天 - 第87章 看相 - 翰墨軒

Ever since he had heard Wan Rengui say that the orthodox cultivation sects would go to Liubo Mountain in the Eastern Sea, he had guessed that his master, Tian Buhui, would likely go as well. He had meant to follow and join them, but today he had met an "old immortal" who warned him not to go. Yet could he return to Canglan Mountain? If he got there and none of the sect were present, what then?

Since escaping from the abyss of the dead beneath Kongsang Mountain, he had wanted only to see his master and mistress soon and let them know he was safe. But these past days his head had been full of worries, and so he had been slow. Now that he was suddenly to turn back, he could not make up his mind.

As he stood there undecided, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw the giant Shi Tou striding alone out of the town.

The man came closer, stopped, glanced at Zhang Qingyue without much interest, then looked at the setting sun in the west and muttered to himself, "The sun is there, so that is west. Hmm, the town head said the Black Stone Cave is ten li north of town—so that way." Having fixed his direction, he looked ready to set off.

At these words Zhang Qingyue's heart stirred. He raised his voice and said, "Shi Tou... warrior, are you going to the Black Stone Cave?"

Shi Tou paused, stopped, and turned to look at Zhang Qingyue. "That I am. Who are you?"

Zhang Qingyue's thoughts turned quickly. Since he could not go east, why not go with this man to rid the place of its demon? Then when his master asked later, he could say he had done a deed of merit, and have something to show for himself before his master.

His mind made up, he smiled and said, "I too am a cultivator. I saw everything today in Xiaochi Town. I had meant to rid the townsfolk of this scourge as you did, but was delayed by other business. Luckily there is still time. Would you be willing to go with me, brother?"

Shi Tou looked him up and down with his big eyes and said in a rumbling voice, "It is no place for play. There is considerable risk in it. You look young—whose sect are you under on the cultivation path?"

Zhang Qingyue was taken aback. This Shi Tou was himself not old, and had the look of a simple, honest, straightforward fellow; that he should speak such words was unexpected. He smiled and said, "I am a disciple of Tian Buhui of Dazhu Peak in the Canglan Sect. My cultivation is shallow, and I must ask Brother Shi to look after me."

Shi Tou started, his eyes going wide. "What, you are of the Canglan Sect?"

Zhang Qingyue nodded. "That I am."

Great envy showed in Shi Tou's eyes. "Ah, forgive my disrespect. The Canglan Sect is the foremost orthodox cultivation sect in the world today. I have long heard that the Qingyun arts are profound and wondrous, and held in reverence by all. For my earlier offense, I beg your pardon."

Zhang Qingyue was briefly stunned, then could not help feeling glad. He had not expected his sect's name to carry such weight abroad. He smiled and said, "Brother Shi flatters me. Then let us go together, the better to have someone to watch my back while we rid the people of this scourge."

Shi Tou chuckled. "Good."

The Black Stone Cave lay in a stretch of woods ten li north of Xiaochi Town. Along the way Zhang Qingyue and Shi Tou exchanged names and fell into talk. Zhang Qingyue was of plain, honest temper, and Shi Tou, for all his giant frame, was not overbearing—his manner matched his face, and he too was of the simple, honest sort. The two took to each other at once and soon were calling each other by name.

By now the sky was gradually darkening, and the last glow of the sun fell faintly over the land.

Zhang Qingyue saw the trees ahead growing thicker and guessed that the woods were near. He called out, "Brother Shi."

Shi Tou answered beside him. "What is it?"