Chapter 24: The Past Recalled, Xia He Refrains from Bone-Scraping; Master Lingyu Errs in a Single Thought

By the blink of an eye, the time had reached four in the afternoon.

On the steps leading to the Celestial Master's Mansion on Dragon and Tiger Mountain, a figure ascended steadily, arriving before the mountain gate.

It was a woman, her naturally pink hair partially concealed beneath a hat, while sunglasses and a mask covered most of her face, making her features indistinct.

Though the weather had warmed, she was still wrapped in a thick black coat that concealed her figure.

Yet, somehow, even bundled up like a tightly wrapped parcel, the woman exuded an inexplicable, subtle allure—as if all barriers were futile, her natural charm radiating effortlessly.

Standing before the gate, she looked up at the plaque overhead bearing the words “Celestial Master’s Mansion.” Beneath her sunglasses, her eyes flickered—reflecting a mixture of anticipation, fear, and confusion.

She took a deep breath, mustering her composure and silently encouraging herself, then approached a young attendant guarding the gate.

“Hi~ I’m Xia He. May I ask if Zhang Lingyu... no, Master Lingyu is here?” She waved gently and introduced herself before softly inquiring.

“My junior uncle... huh?!” The young attendant intended to reply but suddenly felt an unusual sensation rising from deep within, causing his heart to race and his face to flush.

“What’s happening to me?” he wondered. Glancing again at the woman, he found her strikingly captivating—even without seeing her face clearly, her voice alone unsettled his spiritual focus.

“No, no!” Realizing the disturbance, he quickly shook his head and silently recited the Daoist “Heart-Purifying Incantation,” calming the turmoil within.

“Please wait, benefactor!” Having only shallow cultivation, the young attendant did not realize the woman’s supernatural influence but blamed his own lack of spiritual discipline. He hurriedly responded and ran inside.

Knock, knock, knock!

Soon, he stood before Zhang Lingyu’s door, knocking gently and calling out, “Junior uncle, a female benefactor named Xia He is here to see you!”

“Xia He?!”

Hearing the name, Zhang Lingyu, who had been practicing talisman drawing inside, suddenly trembled, dropping his brush to the floor with wide eyes.

In an instant, he was pulled back to an evening a year ago—a delicate, pitiable figure and a night of profound passion...

...

It was the summer of the previous year.

Under his master’s orders, Zhang Lingyu descended the mountain to deliver offerings to the City God Temple in Shanghai and to travel briefly.

This was a necessary practice for all Daoists: to temper the heart through worldly experience. Only by entering the mundane world could one see through its illusions and strengthen one’s Daoist resolve.

Having cultivated on Dragon and Tiger Mountain since childhood without ever leaving, he cherished this chance and, after completing his task, wandered through the streets, savoring the manifold scenes of the world.

One evening not long after, while in Henan, he stumbled upon a girl cornered by a group of supernatural beings in a narrow alley. They had already begun to undress, and she was terrified.

Without hesitation, he intervened, defeating the assailants and taking the girl’s hand to lead her home.

He then learned her name was Xia He; her parents had long passed away, leaving her alone. She possessed an innate supernatural ability—a charm that uncontrollably attracted those around her.

According to Xia He, she had had this ability since childhood, growing stronger with age. She did not know its nature, only that it had brought endless scorn, insults, and harm.

Helpless, she tried to protect herself and control her power, but with little success. Ultimately, even her parents had suffered because of it.

“In the past few days, my power seems even stronger, completely beyond my control. If not for our food running out, I wouldn’t have dared to come out...” she had confided.

Seeing her naive understanding of the supernatural and relying on his own advanced cultivation and strong will, Zhang Lingyu decided to stay, offering help and explaining the world of the supernatural.

He taught her two Daoist incantations—the “Heart-Purifying Chant” to calm those around her by chanting qi, and the “Body-Purifying Chant” to suppress her own power when recited internally. She tried them, with decent results.

To ensure safety, he remained by her side to guide her cultivation, helping her free herself from fear and danger as soon as possible.

Reassuring, he promised, “Trust me. With my strength, I can suppress your power’s influence. If one day I cannot, I will leave.”

Moved by his steadfast gaze, a light rekindled in Xia He’s previously dimmed eyes.

From then on, they lived as master and disciple. Zhang Lingyu instructed daily, and Xia He began her path of cultivation.

Yet no one could have foreseen that one month later, just as Xia He’s cultivation reached the point where she could control the circulation of true qi, her innate power would break free from the “Body-Purifying Chant”’s restraint and erupt wildly!

That night, even Zhang Lingyu’s life force and cultivation were powerless to contain it, overwhelmed in an instant. After a month of closeness and mutual feelings, their burning desires culminated in a night of intimacy...

An unforeseen moment. A single lapse.

Afterward...

Upon awakening, Zhang Lingyu examined Xia He’s body, confirming the eruption was a result of her qi cultivation’s breakthrough and her power’s flare-up, manageable with future control. He finally relaxed.

Stubborn as he was, he saw it as an irreparable mistake and, bound by his promise, left behind a note guiding her cultivation before quietly departing while she slept peacefully...

...

At that thought, Zhang Lingyu’s emotions surged. He strode to the door, ready to open it and see her.

To be honest, over the past year, he often thought of her, wondering if he should not have left without a word. His heart twisted with regret.

But then...

Click!

Just as his hand grasped the latch, his expression darkened. He paused, lowered his head, and fell into silence.

...

Drops fell—his true qi surged, black and murky, dripping from his palm with a heavy thunderous sound. A shadow of gloom flickered in his eyes.

After a long silence, he put down his hand and shook his head.

“No, this was all a mistake. It must be left behind. I’ve already erred once...”

“I cannot make the same mistake twice...”