Chapter 9: Buying Time

8

The spiritual elixir that kings and sages spend their lives seeking—

was right in front of me.

But I felt only intense revulsion.

Seeing that I still hadn’t taken it, Guruji was puzzled.

“Why are you hesitating? The Grand Elder needs to rest.”

I bit the tip of my tongue to steady myself, held the ‘elixir’ in both hands, and bowed.

“Guruji, I have already failed once at this stage. If I fail again, I will let down the hopes of the elders and Guruji.”

I said earnestly,

“I remember that in the next few days, some outer disciples will also take the elixir and cleanse their nadis. I would like to observe and learn under Senior Brother Kabir’s guidance.”

Before Guruji could become suspicious, I quickly added,

“If possible, could Guruji keep this elixir for me for a few days… I am not worthy of it yet.”

Since childhood, because of these eyes,

I have seen many secrets.

Naturally, I know how to play dumb.

Sure enough, Guruji pondered for a moment, just about to speak, when the Grand Elder spoke first, laughing:

“Let him. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a sincerely fearful disciple.”

“Thank you, Elder.” I bowed respectfully.

I could hear the bronze bells under the old eaves ringing in the wind:

Ding—

The echo carried through the mist, like the voice of an ancestor blessing or cursing, you could never be sure which.