Chapter 144: The Examination Procedure
“If Fellow Daoist Qu is willing, you may stay here at the Celestial Masters Hall. You can choose any cave residence you like, and all spiritual herbs and plants will be at your disposal. We will, of course, fully support you”—support you in opening classes to teach—“What do you think, Fellow Daoist?”
“No!”
Before Qu Qiuming could reply, the young girl hiding behind him suddenly spoke up, eyes brimming with tears as she looked at him. “Brother Ming, you promised me that once you finished the registration, you’d go home with me! How can you stay in a place like this? I don’t care! Don’t let this bull-nosed old priest trick you!”
Bull-nosed Old Priest Xu: “……”
“Die’er, mind your manners,” Qu Qiuming scolded softly, though his tone carried no real reproach—his face was filled instead with indulgent affection.
Hall Master Xu frowned and looked at the lively young girl. “And this is…?”
“Forgive her,” Qu Qiuming said helplessly, turning to glance at the girl before explaining, “Her name is Caidie. She was one of the people I saved in Tianfang City when they were afflicted with dark energy. Since she was left alone with no family, I took her in as my little sister. She’s young and ignorant; I ask my fellow Daoists not to take offense.”
“I’m not ignorant!” Caidie immediately pouted, hugging his arm and shaking it like a spoiled child. “They just want to take you away from me. Brother Ming, don’t leave Die’er all alone, okay?”
“All right, all right.” Qu Qiuming sighed softly, clearly used to this. He turned and half-embraced her, patting her head tenderly. His eyes were filled with doting warmth. “Don’t worry. You’re my sister—I’ll never abandon you.”