Chapter Twenty-Four: The First Disciple of the Violet Lotus

Facing him, I found myself at a loss, stammering out a few words before hastily lowering my head in shame, unable to meet his gaze again. Internally, I berated myself for my uselessness, wishing I could slap myself a few times to vent my frustration.

Idiot, you can’t even pronounce your own name. Aren’t you usually so capable? How could you become so foolish now, unable to leave even the slightest good impression on him? You’re hopeless!

“Yu… Yu… Yu Song?”
He looked at me quizzically and asked.

“No, no, no, it’s not that.”
I gazed at him anxiously, waving my hands in panic. “Yu Song, it’s Yu Song.”

“Yu Song?”
“Yes.”
I nodded at him with certainty.

“This name is rather interesting,”
he said, the corners of his lips lifting slightly, seeming to smile. He continued, “Today, since you have taken me as your master, from now on, you are my disciple of Purple Lotus, the one hundred and eighth generation of Lingyun Mountain. In the future, remember to always put the sect first in your conduct and dealings; do not entangle yourself with the realms of demons and monsters, lest you ruin the honor of the sect and squander this precious chance at cultivating immortality. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master, your disciple understands.”

I bowed low to him once more, awaiting his further instructions.

“Do you still have family at home?”

“No.”
I replied quickly, shaking my head as I looked up at him, afraid he might not believe me. At this moment, I could only say no; if I said yes, he would surely ask more questions. If he pressed me, I feared I would slip and tell the truth, revealing my demonic nature.

“Very well,”
he nodded slightly.

“You may withdraw for now. Beyond the Jade Cloud Pavilion, above the Lotus Pool, there is a Clear Water Tower; from today onwards, that will be your residence. Go there and rest.”

“Yes, Master.”
I bowed again, delighted by his gentle demeanor. At first, before we had any interaction, I thought he might be difficult to get along with, but now it seemed he was truly gentle—an immortal cold on the outside, warm within.

With every few steps, I glanced back at him, walking slowly, hoping he might say, “So it was you, little carp; after a thousand years, you’ve grown so much. Are you a boy or a girl now?”

Yet, as I approached the threshold, not a single word came from him, leaving me feeling disheartened.

Today, so many had come to Lingyun Mountain seeking a master, yet the white-bearded Third Elder chose me at first glance, which struck me as odd. As for Purple Lotus, an immortal of the Heavenly Realm, he let others pick his disciple for him and did not utter a word of objection. All of this surprised and delighted me.

Could it be he already recognized me? Otherwise, how could an immortal be so gentle to a mere mortal?

I turned to look at him, hoping to find the slightest trace—just a hint—of something unusual on his face, but found nothing.

“Is there something else?”
He must have sensed me looking at him. He opened his eyes, regarding me with confusion—only confusion, nothing more.

Usually, I pride myself on being bold and thick-skinned, but at this moment, I lacked even the courage to meet his eyes. The instant he looked up, I quickly lowered my head and replied in a muffled voice, “No, nothing.”

“Then go,”
he said calmly.

A reunion after a thousand years, and he truly had no memory of me. Even as I turned to leave, he didn’t spare me a single glance.

Sorrow and disappointment flooded my heart; I dared not approach him again or disturb him any further.