Chapter 140 — Killing Intent
劍問蒼天 · Page 2 of 6
Li Xun rose as bidden, then cupped his hands and saluted those around him. "This junior, Li Xun, greets all the seniors and uncles of Qingyun."
Tian Buhui, Zeng Shuchang and the others nodded in acknowledgment.
Daoist Daoyan said, "I trust your master is well? I have not seen him for many years and wonder how Brother Yun fares. Some time ago I heard that Valley Master Yun had suddenly gone into seclusion, and I was genuinely worried for a while."
Xiao Yichen had by now come to stand beside Daoist Daoyan. Hearing this, he smiled and said, "Master, you may not know—I have just heard Senior Brother Li say that Elder Yun has come out of seclusion."
Daoist Daoyan looked faintly surprised, gave an "ah," and said to Li Xun, "Is that so, worthy nephew?"
Li Xun said with great respect, "Indeed it is. My master did indeed come out of seclusion several days ago, and he has specially sent this disciple to pay a call upon Sect Master Daoyan. He also gave me a letter, which he bade me deliver into your presence." With that, he drew from his bosom a sealed envelope and handed it to Daoist Daoyan.
Daoist Daoyan took the letter, pondered a moment, tore open the seal, drew out the thin sheet within, and read it carefully from beginning to end. Everyone's eyes were fixed upon his face, yet his expression remained exactly as it had been, without the slightest change; no one could tell what ripples, if any, stirred in his heart.
After a while, Daoist Daoyan finished the letter, slowly folded the sheet, put it back into the envelope, stroked it between his fingers for a moment, and laid it on the small table beside him. Li Xun watched him warily, yet heard not a word from the man reputed to be the foremost figure of the righteous path in this age, and could not help feeling somewhat uneasy.
Daoist Daoyan pondered for a long while, then let his gaze drift lightly and glanced toward Master Shuijing. Master Shuijing seemed to sense it, and her brows knitted.
Daoist Daoyan withdrew his gaze, coughed once, looked at Li Xun, who still stood below the dais, and once more put on a kindly smile. "Worthy nephew, before you came to our Qingyun, did Valley Master Yun instruct you in anything?"
Li Xun hesitated a moment, then clasped his hands and said, "My honored master instructed me that Daoist Daoyan of the Canglan Sect is the great pillar of the righteous path in this age, and that when this disciple came to Qingyun to pay his respects to you, he was to observe and learn well. Before I return to the Fenxia Valley, I am to follow whatever instructions you give, Master."
Daoist Daoyan was taken aback, then could not help laughing. "Your master—there's a sly one for you, tossing every difficult problem to me." He paused, then nodded. "Very well. Your master says in his letter that within three days at most he too will lead the disciples of the Fenxia Valley into the Central Plains, and will most likely come first to my Canglan Mountain. Until then, you may lodge here at Canglan Mountain for a few days."
Li Xun was delighted and hastened to say, "Yes, this disciple obeys."
Daoist Daoyan nodded slightly, then, as though something had just occurred to him, turned to Lu Xueling, who stood behind Master Shuijing, and said, "Xueqi."
Lu Xueling had not expected Daoist Daoyan to call on her so suddenly and was rather startled. Then she stepped forward and made her obeisance. "Sect Master Uncle, this disciple is here."
Daoist Daoyan smiled slightly. "You and Senior Brother Li Xun of the Fenxia Valley are old acquaintances, are you not? I recall that you have met many times over the years. So then—for these next few days, I will trouble you to show him around Canglan Mountain. We must not neglect the duties of hospitality."