C20 Yin Yang Bondage

"If your Ren and Du Meridians had been fully connected to the Lifefruit a few days earlier, the knockout drops would have had no effect on you. Now, you're immune to all poisons, having fulfilled your wish to descend the mountain. Set out early tomorrow morning and make your way down." Caden reflected on his actions. He had only assisted Rupert in clearing his blood vessels, but Rupert was a once-in-a-millennium teacher. His demeanor, skills, and approach to life were effortlessly graceful. Wasn't this the kind of Celestial Sage he had been seeking? After a night of deep contemplation...

The next day, Rupert gathered his belongings, struggling to voice his farewell to Caden. After all, it was here that he had been reborn. Yet, Caden was a contemporary genius! If he could just learn martial arts from him, he would surely reach the pinnacle. But it seemed Caden had no intention of keeping him, instead urging him to leave the mountain. "Child, I've fulfilled your heart's desire. Your body is now brimming with vigor and immune to all poisons. Why the hesitation? With such a rare gift, you're bound to achieve great things once you leave. What's holding you back?"

Rupert found his words with difficulty: "No, Senior Caden, this isn't what I want. My life has been one of constant trials, with little to show for it. I don't dare aspire to greatness. Rather than navigating the treacherous waters of the martial world or the political arena, I'd find more joy in the solitude of the mountains, cultivating in peace. Perhaps you could allow me to stay and serve you? I could chop wood and cook by day, and at night, meditate and practice Zen alongside you..."

Caden's eyebrow quirked in a blend of sternness and humor as he inquired, "You wish to take me as your master and pursue cultivation under my guidance? Are you aware that seeking a teacher doesn't necessarily mean you must practice anything in particular?"

"Mm! The world of martial arts knows no bounds, and I yearn to learn much more from you. Do you wish to take me in? Ah, your words are most encouraging. I understand now. Sincerity, diligence, and wit are key. I'm certain I can learn..." Rupert nodded, his eyes reflecting his eagerness and respect for his teacher.

Caden chuckled, tugging at his beard, and said, "Indeed, you're correct. However, I must speak to you of enlightenment and creation, the ultimate challenges for those of us on the path of cultivation. Don't celebrate just yet. To join my tutelage, you must first pass a test. I will sit here in the garden to meditate. If you can convince me to leave this spot, I'll accept you as my disciple. I've been deceived too many times, so I'm curious to see what you can come up with. If you prove yourself astute, I will take you on as my disciple, regardless of who you are. After all, my time in this world is fleeting..."

Rupert asked in a subdued tone, "Senior Caden, what method must I employ to persuade you to step outside? Do you have any advice?"

"Ha! If you can figure that out, would it not be a testament to your cleverness? Reflect upon this—I've already mentioned that the old tactics of Sun Bin and Pang Juan won't work on me. Nonetheless, I'll grant you a brief moment, merely the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. Whether you resort to lies, deception, or your wits, as long as you can leave the cave..." Caden stated calmly as he sat in meditation.

"Oh no, Senior, there's a fire behind you! It could burn you, which would be terrible for your health..." Rupert pondered for a moment before standing up hastily with a raised hand, cursing in his alarm.

"There's no need to deceive me. I'm not a child of three; there's no smoke, no fire. Moreover, I've mastered the Fire Avoidance Technique, so there's no need for fear. This is just another one of Pang Juan's ineffective tricks. Think harder; this approach won't work," Caden said, unshaken as he remained seated.

"Senior, we must flee! This cave is unstable and could collapse at any moment. Look at those rocks—they're not secure..." Rupert frantically looked around, trying to cause some tremors, but then hesitated and spoke again.

Caden, as unmoving as a deeply meditative monk, responded without even shifting his posture, "This cave is exceedingly sturdy. Young man, try and see whether your head or the wall is harder. If you bash into it, you'll likely crack your skull."

"This isn't a fair contest. No, it's not right. Senior, your spiritual practice is profound—I must find another way to convince you to move. Your magical power is immense, and I'm at a disadvantage. Let's step outside and discuss this clearly. You say there's no wind or rain inside, and nothing I do seems to affect you. If that's the case, I might as well turn around and leave..." Rupert shook his head, his face betraying a hint of displeasure, as he contemplated his next move.

"You think to intimidate or coerce me with threats, to lure the tiger out of the mountain? I've already told you that Sun Bin, that fool, has tried such tactics. Come up with a new strategy if you wish to engage me. I will not leave my abode..." Caden, a seasoned veteran, knew all too well these old tricks would not sway him.

"Ha! Senior, just before, I lost over a hundred gold coins on this mountain. It wasn't easy to accumulate them, and if I can't find them, the loss will be grave. To let others profit at my expense would be foolish. Perhaps you could help me look for them? It shouldn't be a problem..." Rupert, growing increasingly anxious and frustrated, tried yet another angle.

"Hmm, white wine, red faces, and hearts of gold are all things of the past. Kid, you need to think this through. Use your head and don't just blindly copy methods..." Realizing the method was sound, if he truly needed to devise a plan quickly, deception was the only option.

"Senior, Senior. The tiger has given birth, wow! Twins, no less. Hurry, come see these cubs. One is white; it's quite remarkable..." Rupert pondered how the tiger had lived for many years and couldn't help but feel a connection. He turned back at the cave entrance and probed with his words...

"Yin and Yang mating is the natural order of things, perfectly normal. Child, can't you be a bit more creative? Put in more effort and thought; we're running out of time." The mentor tossed something at him, startling Rupert into finding a place to hide.

"This... Senior, this celestial event of an eclipse is nothing to worry about; I've observed such natural phenomena several times. The plants withering together is just the change of seasons, quite normal. An old friend visiting? Hmm... It's an everyday occurrence. Blood raining from the sky, mountains crumbling, the earth splitting..." Regardless, Caden was sharp enough to respond to anything. As time was running out, Rupert quickly packed his belongings and knelt down, saying, "Senior Caden, I may not have the fortune to serve by your side, but I am grateful for your help. Seeing that my time is up, I will descend the mountain, lest you think me overly persistent. Please accept these three bows from me..."

"No need! Mentor, you are exceptionally wise, and I am but an ignorant child, unable to follow my own desires..." Rupert insisted on fulfilling his wish with resolute bows. He remained kneeling, "Senior, I take my leave now..."

"Hmm, child, there's no need for nostalgia. Once you leave, you'll forget this secluded place. There's nothing here for you to cling to. Go ahead, leave..." Caden replied nonchalantly, knowing he was not the sort to hold someone back without good reason.

Rupert, realizing the area was rarely visited, thought it normal for friends to seek him out. He went out and gathered fresh flowers, made honey, and smeared it on his clothes. He inhaled the floral scent and ventured outside. After several rounds, his face flushed and he sweated profusely, panic set in, and he hurried back, prostrating and apologizing profusely.