Before the old Taoist arrived, my family had already told me that I had to go with him.
I didn't know what awaited me, and inside I was very anxious, unwilling to leave this home.
I felt as if my own family had betrayed me.
Though our little village was small, it was still where I was born and raised. Many villagers called me a freak, avoided me, and forbade their children from playing with me, yet I still hated to leave.
I hated leaving my beloved grandpa, my parents, and my only good friend, Little Fatty.
Little Fatty had been discharged from the hospital, but still had to walk slowly, squatting and inching forward step by step.
I made a point to find him and say goodbye, telling him I was leaving for a faraway place and might not come back for a long time.
Little Fatty looked sad and said, "If you leave, I'll be last in the class—no one worse than me. What a pity."
I wondered what was going on in his head. Here I was, saying goodbye—such a sad moment—and he talked about grades? Really killing the mood.
Suddenly, I felt less reluctant to leave him. Maybe it'd be good if he became last in class and got spanked a lot by his dad.
The old Taoist arrived as promised. Last time, I was unconscious and didn't see him.
When I saw him this time, though he looked very serious, I inexplicably felt a kind of closeness—as if he was naturally meant to be my master. I didn't know why I suddenly felt that way.
The Taoist Li Xuantong was dressed just as shabbily as before, barely better than a beggar.
My dad saw him and immediately thought I wouldn't have a good life following this Taoist.
If the Taoist were living well, he wouldn't dress like this.
At that moment, my dad longed for the days when Yang Gaoyi wanted to marry my sister to me.
Who knew how this Taoist suddenly appeared and scared those four away?
The Taoist glanced at me and seemed rather blunt, saying he wanted to take me away immediately, without any extra pleasantries.
Dad held my hand and said reluctantly, "Master Taoist, no need to rush. Have a meal first. You're going to be my son's teacher, and though we don't have delicacies, there's always simple food. Eat your fill before leaving."
"No time to eat. I'm in a hurry," the Taoist said coldly.
"Master Taoist, can I ask you something?" Dad hesitated.
"Go ahead," the Taoist replied calmly.
"Why insist on taking my son as your disciple? He's just a strange kid since birth, nothing special. He's the worst student in class. If I weren't afraid those yellow-skinned guys would punish me, I'd beat him eight times a day."
I looked at Dad and realized he never hit me because he feared retaliation from those "yellow-skinned guys."
I'd thought he was just too kind to punish me.
Looks like I misunderstood him.
Such deep father-son feelings—my attachment to this family lessened a bit.
The Taoist smiled faintly. "This boy is intelligent with unique roots and fate. He doesn't do well at school because his mind isn't on it. You haven't disciplined him well, but don't worry, since you're afraid to hit him, I'll make sure he behaves from now on."
Saying that to my face about how he'd discipline me—didn't seem quite right!
"Master Taoist... I entrust Little Jie to you from now on," Grandpa took me from Dad's hand and handed me to the Taoist personally.
The Taoist took one of my hands, but Grandpa held on tight, tears welling up. Then he said, "This kid will be gone for ten years. I'll be over eighty then, not sure if I'll still be alive to see him."
"Don't worry, you'll live long. I see your life palace is strong; many years remain," the Taoist said firmly.
Grandpa finally let go. Without another word, the Taoist led me toward the door.
At that moment, my mother's heartbreaking cries came from behind. She had hidden inside, afraid she'd lose control and wouldn't let me go with the Taoist.
But now, as I was really leaving, she ran out, hugged me tightly, crying bitterly.
Between sobs she said, "Little Jie, you have to take care of yourself. Listen to your master. No more mischief, understand?"
I nodded and cried as well.
Mom was always the one who loved me most. Which mother doesn't love her child?
She was a sensible woman. She knew if the Taoist hadn't saved me, I wouldn't be alive now.
So if he wanted to take me and make me his disciple, that wasn't unreasonable.
Mom cried for a long time, still unwilling to let go.
The Taoist grew impatient. "Enough. You'll see him again. I'm taking this boy to teach him skills. You should go now."
He grabbed me and headed for the door.
At the door stood Grandma Liu, the spirit medium who had watched me grow up.
I often saw her over the years. She loved me like a grandson and often brought me treats.
She came specially to see me off.
Grandma Liu's eyes were red as she bowed to the Taoist and respectfully said, "Master Taoist, I know you have great powers. From now on, Little Jie is in your care."
The Taoist nodded. "My disciple is alive today thanks to you. I have nothing to repay you with, but take this book. When you have time, study it carefully. It might be helpful."
He took out an ancient string-bound book with characters I didn't recognize.
Grandma Liu's eyes lit up instantly, her whole body trembling with excitement. "Master Taoist... this is far too precious. It's not appropriate."
"Take it. Is my disciple's life worth less than a book?" The Taoist said ambiguously.
Grandma Liu accepted the book reverently with both hands.