C21 Dreamy Crossing Fairy

"Why have you returned again, child? Drink this. And why do I detect a hint of fragrance on you? What's happened?" Caden exclaimed, his eyes snapping open as he took in the sight of the sweat-drenched figure who had hurried back so quickly.

"Senior, outside in the forest, I witnessed a fairy descending from the heavens. She was strikingly beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes, an oval face, and a slender waist – unlike any fairy I've ever seen. Yet she seemed to be aimlessly drifting among the tree branches, as if searching for someone..." Rupert explained, still out of breath, his hands miming the action of running.

"Do you have any idea what she was looking for?" Caden inquired, his curiosity piqued by the unusual occurrence in such a remote area.

"Yes, Senior! Upon encountering me, she immediately inquired, 'Do you know a man named Caden?'" Rupert recounted.

Caden was a formidable figure, known for his profound knowledge. The thought of becoming a disciple of such a Celestial Sage was tantalizing, but Rupert was no fool despite his age; his mind was sharp, and he was already formulating a plan. Could it be that the fairy was seeking out Caden to settle a score? What would become of Rupert? Could he manage to become Caden's disciple?

Caden, observing Rupert's disheveled state as he entered the room, suspected there was more to be told. Indeed, Rupert's heart raced with fear as he considered the Taoist nun who had sought him out, her demeanor suggesting she was no ordinary visitor, but rather a celestial being.

Rupert hesitated, thinking, "Women are trouble, best not to stir the waters. Speaking of her would only bring complications to Senior." So, he had directed her northward, hoping to send her on a wild goose chase through the forest. Yet, as he reflected on it, he realized that wouldn't work; she was too clever and would surely return. Thus, he urgently reported to Caden, "Might she be an adversary, or is it best to steer clear of potential trouble?"

Caden stroked his beard, pondering deeply before responding, "Hmm, you're right. So, this Taoist nun, she's quite beautiful, isn't she?"

Rupert could only scratch his head and describe her, "She's not just fair-skinned, she's also wearing a pure white dress, holding a Taoist staff. Descending from the sky, she looked like an angel... I can't even put it into words, you know?"

"Oh no, could she be like a celestial fairy descending into a dream? Her lightness and elegance..." Caden snapped his fingers, and a painting of a fairy descending from the heavens emerged.

"Ah, yes! That must be it. But she was quite amiable, chatting with me for a bit. I didn't expect to be left with such a delightful fragrance. Master, I believe you, as a person of the Way, should really avoid any entanglements with her..." Rupert clapped his hands and stamped his feet, though his expression betrayed his anxiety as he spoke.

"Where is she now? Show me. If something's not right, I'll need to steer clear..." Caden, ever cautious, wanted to see who this person was before deciding whether to keep his distance.

Rupert led the way, with Caden following to a large pine tree. But with a turn of his head, Rupert made a startling gesture. Upon reaching the cave entrance, he saw the elder step out. In haste, Rupert turned and knelt on the ground, "Master, please accept your disciple's utmost reverence."

Caden, taken aback by the empty surroundings, knelt down as well, then quickly broke into a smile, "Ha, my child, you're quite the clever one. To think you could fool an old shaman like me, who's usually so astute."

"Master! If my jest has caused any offense, I beg your forgiveness..." Rupert hesitated to rise, speaking from his humble position.

Caden burst into hearty laughter, his heart filled with joy, "My child, how did you come up with such a tactic? Even your senior brother Sun Bin hasn't thought of such a clever ruse. He wouldn't dare to jest with me like that. If the world only adhered to dry, unyielding methods, then there would be no room for adaptability. I've always said, as long as you have a method, I won't hold it against you. Please, stand up!"

Rupert's heart was still fluttering with unease, knowing the riskiness of his ploy. If any part of it failed, it would all be for naught. Finally, he said, "Yes, Master. As the saying goes, even heroes find it hard to surpass the challenge of love. I tried many words to move you, yet you remained unmoved until I mentioned an old pal visiting. You peeked with interest then. I deduced that surely, in this world, there must be such friends. So I took a gamble. Outside, there are many exotic flowers and wild herbs, their nectar rich in flavor. You must avoid this maiden, for she is a cultivator of the Celestial Way!"

Caden gently patted the youngster's shoulder and examined him closely. "My boy, you fancy yourself a hero, but even heroes struggle with matters of the heart. You liken your teacher to a great hero, but let me be clear: training under me is no easy feat. You must be prepared to endure suffering. I've warned that the path of cultivation is arduous, requiring the renunciation of the six desires and the purification of the heart..."

Rupert bowed deeply, "Master, I am ready to bear any hardship. Please, instruct me..."

Caden gazed at the sheer cliffs ahead. "Very well, seeing your earnest fear, take a look at that large boulder there—it must weigh around a hundred pounds. And do you see that mountain peak? Carry the rock to and fro a few times..."

Rupert's hands made a cacophony of popping and snapping sounds as he replied, "Master, this will be simple, a mere trifle. Just wait, I'll be back in no time..."

Caden offered only a slight smile. "Off you go! Complete three hundred laps before you can rest and eat. Tiger will be keeping an eye on you to ensure you don't take your master for a fool again with your hero and beauty tales! Tsk... You mischievous scamp, finding joy in my austerity..."

"Wow! Is it that tough?" Rupert nearly stumbled upon hearing the task, managing only to shake his head in disbelief.

"Not yet. Once you're done, you'll practice the horse stance, and the following days will demand double the effort. It can't be that easy. I've always said that true cultivation is about enduring the most bitter of hardships..." Caden simply gestured dismissively.

"Ah!" Rupert's voice trailed off as he collapsed to the ground, his legs convulsively shaking.

"Child, and remember to keep watch over the cave entrance. I'll be away for a few days visiting a pal, and I expect you not to slack off or trespass. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to expel you from my teachings. Understood?" Caden finished speaking and soared into the sky with the agility of a bird in flight. Over the next several days, Rupert gradually adapted to the grueling task of moving stones, though he wondered when it would finally end. The tiger, a formidable creature, appeared indolent and ready to shirk its duties, occasionally letting out a roar that sent Rupert into a silent panic, fearing the tiger might report his slightest misstep.

One day, Caden returned astride the tiger. At that moment, it was evident that the ground had been worn into a canal from the constant movement of stones. He had not been idle. Caden inquired, "Child, have you grown accustomed to this? I have no intention of sending you away. My purpose is to cultivate your patience. Can you endure it?"

Rupert's face was marked by a fierce grimace. While one end was bent over pulling stones, the other reeked unbearably. He had sweated profusely in the past, but days had passed, and his sweat had mixed with blood. Gradually, his body harnessed a formidable force, an invisible aura enveloping him. Upon hearing his master's voice, he replied, "Master, did you return safely? Is everything well? If there's nothing urgent you need to instruct me on, I must hasten to continue moving stones, lest dinner be missed..."