The next day, Ning Shu went to the old man with a bulging bag on her back. The bag was filled with exorcising props, like peach wood swords, talismans, cinnabar pens, and various other bits and bobs.
When she arrived at the hall, the old man was offering incense to the statue of the Three Pure Ones.
Ning Shu also took incense sticks to join him in offering prayers. The old man turned to look at her and said with a smile, “Big girl, be careful on this trip. Look out for yourself.”
Ning Shu said, “I know, Master. You should take care of yourself as well.”
The old man took the compass and handed it to Ning Shu. “This is the magic artifact left by the founder, the only one left in Mt. Mao.”
Ning Shu quickly waved her hand. “Master, don’t give me the compass. It was something the founder used.”
This compass was bulky and mysterious. It had a long history, which was clear from just one look. What if she broke it?
In the original storyline, Tao Qin had relied on this compass to survive. She attached her soul to the compass, so she wasn’t engulfed by Feng Yin.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t even have the chance to offer up her soul for a counterattack.
She used the power of this compass to keep her soul intact.
The old man put the compass in Ning Shu’s hands. “Enough, I want you to take it.” Then, he gave Ning Shu another cloth bag.
Ning Shu glanced inside. It was filled with dry pancakes. Seeing so many cakes, she had a bad feeling in her heart.
“Master, it’s a waste of money to prepare so many cakes for me,” said Ning Shu.
“It’s nothing much. Save it for the road,” said the old man.
Ning Shu: “…” What? You want me to walk there?
“Master, couldn’t you pay for a car?” Ning Shu imagined walking to the big city with her two legs, and the image made her want to die.
The old man said simply, “We are out of money. However, people in our profession can earn money wherever they go.”
“But can the possessed man over there wait?” said Ning Shu, annoyed.
“He’ll be fine. I’m familiar with him. I gave him some talismans before, which should last for a while.” The old man skillfully countered her every move. In any case, there really was no money.
Ning Shu: …
Ning Shu knelt down, kowtowed to the old man, and said, “Take care, Master.”
“When you reach the city, go to this address to find my acquaintance.” The old man handed Ning Shu a piece of paper with an address on it.
Ning Shu put away the paper and turned to leave the hall. However, after a few moments, she looked back at the old man in the hall, feeling a little apprehensive. She didn’t know whether or not she would be able to make it back.
She was embarking on a journey of destiny.
“Wait a minute, Senior Sister.” As soon as Ning Shu came out of the Daoist temple, she heard Tao Sheng’s voice. She turned around to see Tao Sheng.
Tao Sheng ran to Ning Shu and gave her a bag of fruits. He said, “Eat them if you get thirsty on the way.”
Ning Shu smilingly took the bag. “Thank you, Junior Brother.”
Thus, Ning Shu left with a big and a small bag.
Ning Shu’s heart was bitter. Did she really have to walk to H city?
Walking on the road full of yellow earth, she finally reached the city with great difficulty. Ning Shu decided to find some work to collect bus fare to the city.
“This big brother, there is a dark aura around your forehead. Recently…”
“Nutjob, did you forget to take medicine…”
Ning Shu: …
“This miss, there is a dark aura around your forehead, and your facial color seems dim…”
“Who are you calling a miss? You want to try saying that again?”
MTL Editor: Meraki
TLC: Kaho
