Chapter 154 — The Old Abode
The Sword Questions the Heavens · Page 6 of 6
Xiao Yichen gave a bitter laugh. "Martial Uncle Tian, you exaggerate. But even so, we cannot push people out the door, can we? If we truly did, how would the righteous path of the world regard Qingyun? For the sake of the greater situation, I beg Martial Uncle Tian to lend us his help."
Tian Buhui rolled his eyes, and then suddenly seemed to think of something; his eyes lit up, a mocking smile flickered at the corner of his mouth, and he coughed once, putting on a look of stern righteousness. "Since Senior Brother Dao Yan has said as much, it would be hard for me to decline. In any case, it is for the sake of the righteous path and the greater situation—so let it be done this way."
Xiao Yichen was overjoyed and cupped his hands. "Many thanks, Martial Uncle."
Tian Buhui smiled slightly, then suddenly raised his hand. "Wait—I have not finished."
Xiao Yichen was taken aback. "What? Pray speak, Martial Uncle Tian."
Tian Buhui smiled. "Since the calamity is upon us, all things must be considered for the greater situation. I have heard that among the seven branches of Qingyun, there is one—er, the one with rather more female disciples, I believe..."
Xiao Yichen's face had been all smiles, but halfway through he froze, and his smile gradually faded.
Tian Buhui went on smiling to himself. "I recall that branch has a vast stretch of land, and a few days ago I happened to pass that way—there are simply countless empty rooms. How is it that Senior Brother Dao Yan, wise as he is, has not thought of the place?"
Xiao Yichen's face was a study in bitter smiles, and it was some time before he said, "Martial Uncle Tian, this—this..."
Tian Buhui gave a humph, and with his fat face turned up to the sky, said not a word. Seeing him thus, Xiao Yichen shook his head inwardly and had no choice but to say, "Yes. When I return today, I shall of course report to my honored master and ask him to decide."
Tian Buhui said nothing and his expression did not change; he merely nodded, but inwardly he was immensely pleased and chuckled to himself.
Xiao Yichen steadied himself, then said, "Now then, Martial Uncle Tian, as for this second matter, it is more important even than the first. My honored master instructed me again and again to ask you to think it over carefully before answering."
Seeing Xiao Yichen's grave expression, so different from before, Tian Buhui realized this must be no small matter. He could not help but start, then nodded. "Oh? What is so serious? Speak."