That Fair-Faced 'Sage' {Completed}

105. The Last Journey

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A Lotus and a Demon parted from a high mountain to explore the world.

"U-uncle!" Lien began, as she followed behind Yun. "From father's writings, he says the world is a vast and endless place ... How did he come to live on just the mountain?"

Yun walked ahead with his hands folded behind his back, and he answered simply. "He became disillusioned with his fellow humans, and cut them off."

"Ah... But his writings speak of many kind humans?"

"Humans are only kind when they want something in return."

"Ah, I see."

A little later ...

"U-u-uncle!" Lien began again. "Father's old writings also say demons appear in dark and formidable clothes... Why are you always in white?"

"Says who? demons appear in whatever clothes fits their primordial forms, or countenance. I'm an ancient pure white Lily, and nothing can stain my skin or clothes, as long as I have a firm mind...

"Heh! I even knew a fellow who is always dressed like a carrot, as that was his original form."

Yun turned to face her. "Also, what is suddenly your problem with addressing me as 'uncle'? I've noticed it from a while ago. You didn't have a problem before."

Lien smirked. "'Uncle', your face is the problem... You don't look much older than I am... Think of how it would look, if you keep calling me 'Xiao Lien' How about I just call you 'master', since you trained me?"

"Tch!" Yun felt a bit flustered by the honorary title. He hastily turned forward to resume walking. "I won't live it down, if anyone discovers I trained a human, but I'll let you call me that for now!"

Mountain and hill, river and valley. Through spring, summer, fall and cold winter... Lien and her Master journeyed through the world, meeting humans and demons alike.

Along the way, they acquired a new companion, who had journeyed for many years, searching for Yun to become his master.

"I am Yin Long!" He bowed to Yun, as he immediately recognised his aura and appearance. "Master Yun Qin, please accept me as your disciple...!"

"Master!" LanFen immediately recognised the somewhat younger version of her own master.

However, her shout had no effect, since Yin Long was a mere part of the memory.

Shuǐ ChénLín had turned to face her. "He's your Master?" He pushed away a mild feeling of jealousy. "Exactly how old is your Master?"

"I don't know." LanFen truthfully admitted. "I always suspected he wasn't quite human, but he was too good at pretending... I only knew him as Lord Yin, and referred to him as 'Master Yin'."

Meanwhile in the memory, Yun stared at the odd fellow before him, who was dressed like him, but had long flowing white hair. "I won't even ask how you learned my full name, but why did you seek me out, specifically?"

"Ah, my primordial form is a snow Ivy from the far south... Your reputation as a Nine-thousand year old Lily, precedes you. Since we are both rare plant types, I was told you would be the best Master for me!"

"No. Since when did demons need masters? It's an unheard-of idea." Yun Qin replied and coldly turned away, but Yin Long just followed them everywhere, until Yun Qin relented.

"You stubborn fellow! You'll surely meet a disciple as stubborn as yourself in the future!"

Shuǐ ChénLín's features turned serious, as he looked at LanFen again. "Ah, that's why his own disciple turned out to be you."