Chapter 366: Taking Disciples

“You’re not fatter,” Old Kui muttered, “your face is just thicker.”

Mister Zhuang disagreed immediately.

“Impossible. My face has always been this thick.”

Old Kui sighed, deciding not to bicker with him. “So, have you figured out how to stay clear of karma?”

Mister Zhuang nodded. “I have.”

Old Kui watched him silently.

Taking a sip of wine, Mister Zhuang said evenly,

“Karma is fixed, like this wine. You can’t simply choose to avoid its taste. The moment you drink, you’re bound to have the scent of wine upon you.”

“So, if I can’t avoid it, I’ll simply use other karma to muddle it.”

“Just as mixed wine hides its flavor from the nose, mixed karma conceals its cause and effect from the heavens.”

Old Kui frowned, thought a moment, then understood—but still said,

“Won’t that make karma even messier?”

“It’s not me who makes it messy.”

Mister Zhuang shook his head, eyes drifting toward the courtyard.

Under the great locust tree, his three disciples laughed together.

Mo Hua and Bai Zisheng were chatting animatedly, while Bai Zixi listened quietly, her bright eyes glimmering, a faint crescent-smile at her lips.

Mister Zhuang’s gaze deepened. “Some karma already exists.”

…

The next morning, Mo Hua came visiting as usual, carrying several boxes of food.

“Teacher, my mother told me to bring these for you!”

His tone was cheerful, eyes bright as starlight beneath the morning sun.

Mister Zhuang looked at him, and for the first time, his expression softened. His voice was gentle:

“Mo Hua, would you be willing to become my disciple?”

Mo Hua blinked in surprise. “Aren’t I already your disciple?”

Mister Zhuang shook his head. “Not a registered disciple—a personal disciple.”

Mo Hua froze.

His mouth opened wide in disbelief, almost thinking he’d misheard.

“P-personal disciple?”

Mister Zhuang smiled faintly and nodded.

Mo Hua’s joy overflowed, but then he asked cautiously,

“Teacher, won’t you regret it? My spiritual root isn’t very good…”

Mister Zhuang chuckled. “It doesn’t matter.”

Mo Hua almost thought he was dreaming. Still, even if it were a dream—he’d agree without hesitation.

He was about to accept, but Mister Zhuang raised a hand to stop him.

“Think carefully first.”

“Huh? About what?” Mo Hua frowned, puzzled.

“I’m leaving Tōngxiān City,” Mister Zhuang said calmly. “If you become my disciple and learn formation arts from me, you’ll have to travel with me.”

“It may be a long journey. You should speak with your parents first—think about how they’ll feel before deciding.”

His words were thoughtful and considerate.

Mo Hua’s small brows knit tightly together. He wanted to follow Mister Zhuang, but couldn’t bear to leave his parents.

“Go home and ask them,” Mister Zhuang said gently. “Once you’ve decided, give me your answer.”

“Mm.” Mo Hua nodded seriously.

…

Back home, Mo Hua told his parents everything.

Mo Shan and Liu Ruhua were both overjoyed, but hesitation soon followed.

Mo Shan frowned, about to speak, when Liu Ruhua said firmly: “Hua’er, you should accept and become Mister Zhuang’s disciple.”

Mo Hua was startled. “But…”

If he accepted, he’d have to leave, not knowing when he could return or see them again…

Liu Ruhua smiled softly and shook her head.

“Don’t overthink it. If your formation arts flourish, the heavens and earth are vast—nowhere will be beyond your reach. Don’t be afraid of temporary partings.”

“To learn from Mister Zhuang is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You mustn’t miss it.”

“We are just nameless wanderers with no fame or influence. Yet Mister Zhuang is willing to take you under his wing—that alone is a great blessing.”

“This kindness… we can never repay. Becoming his disciple, serving and learning by his side—that is repayment enough.”

Her tone was gentle but firm.

Mo Shan nodded. “Listen to your mother.”

“Alright. I’ll remember.” Mo Hua nodded solemnly.

After Mo Hua went to his room, Liu Ruhua’s firm composure wavered, replaced by unease and sorrow.

Mo Shan held her hand gently.

“Can’t bear to part, huh?”

Liu Ruhua’s eyes glistened. She nodded.

How could she not? The child she’d raised since birth—so sweet and obedient. Letting him go tore her heart apart.

But there was no other way.

With a sigh, she said softly,

“Hua’er’s formation skill is already exceptional. No one in Tōngxiān City can teach him anymore. If he stays here forever, he may never improve…”

“I know he wants to learn more, but he can’t make up his mind because of us.”

“A parent’s love should plan far ahead.”

“I can’t let my attachment hold him back.”

Mo Shan’s own heart ached, but he hid it behind a calm smile.

“Don’t worry. It’s just traveling, not farewell forever. Didn’t we all wander in our youth?”

“Maybe after a few years, he’ll come back.”

“Who knows—he might even bring back a wife.”

Liu Ruhua burst into tears and laughter. “Nonsense.”

Mo Shan smiled, tightening his hold on her hand.

“No matter where he roams, he’ll return someday. As his parents, we’ll be right here, waiting.”

Liu Ruhua slowly calmed down and nodded in silence.

…

The next day, Mo Hua returned to Mister Zhuang’s residence.

Remembering his parents’ words, he bowed deeply and said clearly: “Mo Hua, untalented though I am, humbly asks to be accepted as your disciple!”

Mister Zhuang blinked.

He was the one who had wanted to take Mo Hua as a disciple—yet here the boy was, respectfully bowing first.

A warmth stirred in his chest. He stepped forward, helped Mo Hua up, and brushed the dust off his robe.

“No need for such formality. It’s too polite.”

Mo Hua smiled, his eyes curving into crescents.

Seeing that innocent, brilliant smile, Mister Zhuang couldn’t help but smile too, feeling an odd sense of relief.

Whatever else may change, at least this—taking this disciple—was unshakable.

No matter how the world turned, or karma shifted, this bond would remain.

With that thought, Mister Zhuang’s heart lightened—years of wandering and weariness seemed to drift away with the wind.

Mo Hua basked in joy for a while, but then grew hesitant.

“Teacher… how many disciples are you going to take?”

Mister Zhuang glanced at him, half amused. “What are you trying to ask?”

Mo Hua hesitated, then finally blurted out,

“What about Zisheng and Zixi? Will you take them too?”

They’d all been registered disciples together. If only he became a personal disciple, wouldn’t the others feel left out?

Mister Zhuang smiled. “Their talents are good, and I share some ties with them. I’ll take them as well.”

Mo Hua let out a breath of relief and grinned wide.

That meant they could all be true disciples together—real fellow disciples under the same master!

But then another thought crept in.

Zisheng and Zixi both had excellent aptitudes and family backgrounds—Mister Zhuang might have intended to accept them long ago.

By comparison, Mo Hua’s body was frail, his spiritual roots poor, and his background humble. Only his Divine-Sense and formation skills stood out.

So maybe… Mister Zhuang had only accepted him to “round out the group.”

Still, Mo Hua didn’t mind. He was simply happy to be accepted at all.

After Mo Hua left, Mister Zhuang summoned Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi and asked directly,

“Would you two be willing to become my disciples?”

Both were stunned.

Then excitement bloomed—Bai Zisheng’s face lit up, and Bai Zixi’s eyes gleamed with quiet joy.

They’d thought Mister Zhuang would never accept them. Who could have expected this turn?

They immediately bowed deeply.

“Greetings, Master!”

Mister Zhuang nodded slightly. “Rise.”

The two stood respectfully.

“In a few days, we’ll hold a proper ceremony—with incense and tea—to formalize it.”

“The rest your mother already knows, and she’s explained it to you.”

His gaze dimmed. “Since I’ve agreed to take you as disciples, I’ll teach you all I can—and give her the closure she deserves.”

The siblings bowed again.

That was enough for them.

Before the ceremony, they followed their mother’s will; after, their teacher’s.

In truth, they had little say in such matters.

In great families, even the most gifted heirs rarely decided their own fate—especially in things that truly mattered.

After giving a few brief instructions, Mister Zhuang dismissed them.

Bai Zixi lingered for a moment, hesitating before asking softly,

“Teacher… what about Mo Hua?”

Bai Zisheng caught on immediately and added,

“Yes, will you take him as well?”

They had all trained together. If Mo Hua alone were left out, he’d surely feel hurt—even if he never said it.

Mister Zhuang paused, a rare warmth blooming in his chest, and nodded.

“I will.”

The siblings beamed.

Bai Zisheng’s face lit with pure excitement, and Bai Zixi’s lips curved into a faint, breathtaking smile—like a night-blooming flower under starlight, ethereal and fleeting.

Mister Zhuang looked at her and sighed inwardly.

This child’s beauty already surpassed her mother’s.

He wondered silently…

Would that be a blessing… or a curse?

(End of Chapter)