Chapter 35: Life 58, Age 20, Martial Master 1
After leaving Elder Mu’s office, Deacon Ma guided me out of the buildings and back down the bluff. Once we got back to the cliff face, he took me into the first opening we came to. Like all the others, it was a perfect rectangle, showing it was manmade, but what set this one apart was that around it was a wide, delicate carved border of floral design. A heavy wooden door was set well back in the tunnel.
Inside this cave, we found a nice homey area that felt like someone’s personal study. Tatami mats covered the ground and tidy bookshelves lined the walls. There was a small desk against both the left and right walls where two people were working. Light was provided by glowing orbs set on sconces around the room.
Deacon Ma approached the old man who was working at the desk on the right.
“Old Chen, we have a new in-name disciple. He needs someone to show him around,” said Deacon Ma.
“Oh,” said the old man, looking up from his work, “new disciple? Yes, yes. Very well, Jun’er, come here.”
The girl working at the other desk stood up and walked over.
“Yes, Deacon Chen?” she asked.
“Jun’er, this is a new in-name disciple. Show him around and assign him a cave.”
“Yes, deacon,” she said before turning to me. “Come with me please.”