Chapter 61: 61
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Chapter 61 It's Time to Leave Now
“The medicine did it?” I asked him, stunned. "Were you trying to kill me?"
Master Liu leaned close to me and brought with him a wave of sour wine smell. “Nonsense! Don’t be daft, boy!” He raised a knuckle and wrapped it sharply on my forehead.
“Ow!” I cringed back and raised my hands in defense.
Master Liu continued, "Listen and don't interrupt."
"Gui Yuanzi knew that he couldn’t win. My spirit friend proved too intimidating for him. When I pursued him to the Hou-faced door, he opened it with a secret switch. Behind the door were two coffins. Two! Side by side!” His bloodshot eyes were glossy, but alight somehow. He looked like an excited little kid.”
"Two coffins?” I said, unable to contain the words. “Whose is the other coffin?"
The old man wobbled a bit before me. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hand gestured towards the other bed inside the room as he said, "Master Ge’s grandmaster. The family insignia was etched on it. A very powerful golden Yang amulet binds the tombs together. A powerful suppression amulet.”
Gui Yuanzi’s words rebounded in my memory. "But, Gui Yuanzi said that Master Ge’s ancestor ran away like a coward. No, he said that they were murderers…” I looked at Master Liu for help. “Why..."
Master Liu’s eyes opened again, "Gui Yuanzi has been holding Master Ge’s grandmaster prisoner all this time, probably cultivating him to be part of this ritual. He planned to consume the old master and become even stronger. He was trying to throw us off his trail!"
"The Taoists must have sealed them in first and then started to refine the snake spirit on their own. They were probably trying to use it to achieve the same damn immortality that Gui Yuanzi was after!"
Still trying to make sense of Master Ge’s involvement in the whole thing, I couldn’t give the others any thought. “How did you get rid of Gui Yuanzi? And what about the other coffin? Did you seal them away?”
Master Liu marveled at me through his glassy eyes. "Very good.” He smiled slightly and went on, “I burned Gui Yuanzi with Sky Thunder fire. When I removed his Shen Yuan for your cure, well… let’s say he won’t be hurting anyone else."
I remembered the furry pill and swallowed. My throat clicked in the quiet room. “And Master Ge’s grandmaster?"
"I burned him too.” Master Liu said in a hushed tone. “Though the body didn’t have a Shen Yuan of its own. It seems that someone stole it.”
“That’s one less complication.” I thought. "So I’m connected to this because I ate a part of Gui Yuanzi? Then I’m not, uh, related to Master Ge’s grandmaster?”
Master Liu nodded and a flood of relief swept through me. “Are you going to tell Master Ge?”
Master Liu shook his head, "I burned his grandmaster. I severed a connection through his heritage. You don’t understand now, but maybe some day you will. I can’t tell him. His line can never know." The old man’s eyes shook with sincerity, and something else I didn’t recognize.
“So no treasure.” I said, not really asking. The tension in the room felt like a building sitting on the two of us.
Master Liu shook his head again and said, "Gui Yuanzi spent many years becoming that monster. Something that only Master Ge’s grandmaster could have known how to do. What we need to know now is who stole his Shen Yuan. Who would willingly connect themselves to an undead abomination?”
We sat in silence, both pondering the motivations of a madman. After a while I heard snoring from across the bed where Master Liu sat. I tugged on his shoulder until he slumped over on the bed into a laying position. I stretched out on my side and tried to sleep. A peaceful dark swept over me and soon it was morning.
The next day I awoke to the three men chatting and drinking tea at a table in the corner. A knock came from the door and Wang Zhangan came in.
“The car’s ready.” He told them. I sat up and watched Master Ge and Zhou Yong gather their things. They both said brief farewells to Master Liu and waved a hand at me. When they were gone Master Liu turned to me.
“Up and at ‘em,” He said, and walked out the door with Wang Zhangan. Readying myself and slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I followed the two men out the motel door.
I walked behind the men as we trudged towards the center of the village. Master Liu was telling Wang Zhangan almost everything that had happened. Wang Zhangan was less receptive of the story than Zhou Jie had been, but there was a studious intent on the man’s face as he listened.
The muscular man let out an exasperated whoop at the end of the tale. "Master Liu, I want to thank you! Sounds like you boys did mighty good work! I’ll keep the details to myself, with the exception of my superior. Do you think we should unearth the whole damn thing or seal it up?"
"Seal it!" Master Liu said at once.
Wang Zhangan nodded emphatically. "I hear you. I’ll urge the finance bureau to get the funds for it ASAP. Do you think we should move the school? This place might be better off if some kind of law moves in to keep an eye on it, ya’ know?"
Master Liu’s expression pinched into one of deep thought. It seemed the wine hadn’t soaked up any of his smarts on its way out. "As soon as possible, yes, but I think that’s a long term solution. In the meantime, let the children continue to go to school above the gravesite. Their Yang air has kept it docile this long.”
Wang Zhangan nodded as Master Liu continued, "I know of someone who can help. He’s a teacher and his child has an exuberant air about him, maybe even more than this one.” Master Liu gestured back at me.
Wang Zhangan shot a glance at me and laughed. "Didn’t you mention him before? Was it Shang Haoming? The boy from-"
Master Liu cut him off, "You remember!"
Wang Zhangan’s wide grin dominated his face, "Of course I do! Ooh boy, special kids comin’ in to save the day! What a week."
Master Liu and Wang Zhangan continued to talk and walk aimlessly around the village. I kept pace just a few steps behind them and let my attention wander in and out of the conversation. We didn’t reach my house until mid afternoon.
Over the next several days Master Liu stayed in our village. He made frequent trips to the well site behind the school and even more to the government hub that had been set up across the street. To quell the constant barrage of onlookers, the government released an official statement in the paper, on the news, and by loudspeaker on the street. In less than two days the verdict was out.
“The incident concerning the school grounds has been resolved. We found traces off biochemical weaponry of Japanese origin, but there is no cause for alarm. Military specialists were sent into the area to contain and confiscate any hazardous materials. The area has been sealed off for the time being. A new education facility will be constructed on the property after the land is deemed safe for all.”
Summer went on and soon the whole event was another fabled story in the town’s arsenal of weird. The military crew under Wang Zhangan’s direction cleaned up the school grounds and left the village. A heavy block of concrete now sat where the well entrance once was. It even had a very sinister looking fence propped around it.
The afternoon after the military vacated the village, Master Liu leaned over the dinner table at me with a look that I’d come to recognize. Knowing exactly what was going to come next, I felt my face grow hot and my eyes start to water.
“You’re leaving.” I told him, knowing the answer already.
“Don’t cry Xiao Yong, you’re a big boy now. How’re you going to get a girlfriend if you spend all summer crying about an old man?” He asked.
"I don't want a girlfriend!" I half sobbed.
He laughed and went on, "The next few years are going to be a trial, Xiao Yong. I’ve learned many things this summer and I won’t be able to come back for some time. I want you to call this number if you need me.” He handed me a small white slip of paper. It was curled at the edges as if he’d been working it in his hands. “You tell them you’re my godson and they’ll deliver your message. Use this,” He paused, wrapping his gnarled hand around mine, “Only if you absolutely have to.”
My parents came into the room and he repeated the message. My dad plucked the paper out of my hands and examined it before slipping it into his pocket.
My mom asked about my eyes and Master Liu assured her that I’d be fine for a few years. He mentioned the medicine, but chose to exclude the details surrounding it.
"Remember to practice the movements for Da Hong fist.” He told me. “Don't be lazy. A healthy body will help your eyes."
"Oh don’t you worry,” My mom said with a wicked smile, “I’ll keep an eye on him. There aren’t any lazy boys in this house.”
I looked Master Liu, trying not to make eye contact with my mother who was now rubbing her hands together maliciously. "Master Liu, I want to learn from you."
The old man laughed and said, "Okay then! I’ll teach you how to invite God into your life, but remember that your success depends on your effort! Inviting God is a very powerful skill.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “You don’t want to call on a ferocious ghost now do you?” He leaned in to whisper, “Never ever do this for longer than fifteen minutes. More might end very badly.” I was taken aback by the seriousness in that whisper. I nodded eagerly and watched.
Master Liu performed a Taoist rite similar to the defensive move he’d shone me before we went into the well.
I mimicked his motions to the barest quiver of fingers and practiced many times.
“Not bad, but not great.” He smiled at me. “Keep practicing and be smart. If I hear you’ve been using what I’ve taught you to get into fights I’ll come back here and take it all away!”
My eyes widened at the thought. An image of Master Liu pulling something out of my very soul flashed through my head.
“What if someone tries to hurt me, what should I do?"
"We do not use Taoism to hurt people. Kung fu will keep you safe and healthy. You can use it, but don’t cause any trouble.” He said, leaning back in his chair and seeping wisdom.
I nodded immediately.
After that Master Liu left. He was gone for what felt like ages. He was gone for what came next and what came after, but most importantly he was gone when I needed him the most.
I was alone during the next encounter and it was horrible.
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Chapter 61 It's Time to Leave Now
“The medicine did it?” I asked him, stunned. "Were you trying to kill me?"
Master Liu leaned close to me and brought with him a wave of sour wine smell. “Nonsense! Don’t be daft, boy!” He raised a knuckle and wrapped it sharply on my forehead.
“Ow!” I cringed back and raised my hands in defense.
Master Liu continued, "Listen and don't interrupt."
"Gui Yuanzi knew that he couldn’t win. My spirit friend proved too intimidating for him. When I pursued him to the Hou-faced door, he opened it with a secret switch. Behind the door were two coffins. Two! Side by side!” His bloodshot eyes were glossy, but alight somehow. He looked like an excited little kid.”
"Two coffins?” I said, unable to contain the words. “Whose is the other coffin?"
The old man wobbled a bit before me. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hand gestured towards the other bed inside the room as he said, "Master Ge’s grandmaster. The family insignia was etched on it. A very powerful golden Yang amulet binds the tombs together. A powerful suppression amulet.”
Gui Yuanzi’s words rebounded in my memory. "But, Gui Yuanzi said that Master Ge’s ancestor ran away like a coward. No, he said that they were murderers…” I looked at Master Liu for help. “Why..."
Master Liu’s eyes opened again, "Gui Yuanzi has been holding Master Ge’s grandmaster prisoner all this time, probably cultivating him to be part of this ritual. He planned to consume the old master and become even stronger. He was trying to throw us off his trail!"
"The Taoists must have sealed them in first and then started to refine the snake spirit on their own. They were probably trying to use it to achieve the same damn immortality that Gui Yuanzi was after!"
Still trying to make sense of Master Ge’s involvement in the whole thing, I couldn’t give the others any thought. “How did you get rid of Gui Yuanzi? And what about the other coffin? Did you seal them away?”
Master Liu marveled at me through his glassy eyes. "Very good.” He smiled slightly and went on, “I burned Gui Yuanzi with Sky Thunder fire. When I removed his Shen Yuan for your cure, well… let’s say he won’t be hurting anyone else."
I remembered the furry pill and swallowed. My throat clicked in the quiet room. “And Master Ge’s grandmaster?"
"I burned him too.” Master Liu said in a hushed tone. “Though the body didn’t have a Shen Yuan of its own. It seems that someone stole it.”
“That’s one less complication.” I thought. "So I’m connected to this because I ate a part of Gui Yuanzi? Then I’m not, uh, related to Master Ge’s grandmaster?”
Master Liu nodded and a flood of relief swept through me. “Are you going to tell Master Ge?”
Master Liu shook his head, "I burned his grandmaster. I severed a connection through his heritage. You don’t understand now, but maybe some day you will. I can’t tell him. His line can never know." The old man’s eyes shook with sincerity, and something else I didn’t recognize.
“So no treasure.” I said, not really asking. The tension in the room felt like a building sitting on the two of us.
Master Liu shook his head again and said, "Gui Yuanzi spent many years becoming that monster. Something that only Master Ge’s grandmaster could have known how to do. What we need to know now is who stole his Shen Yuan. Who would willingly connect themselves to an undead abomination?”
We sat in silence, both pondering the motivations of a madman. After a while I heard snoring from across the bed where Master Liu sat. I tugged on his shoulder until he slumped over on the bed into a laying position. I stretched out on my side and tried to sleep. A peaceful dark swept over me and soon it was morning.
The next day I awoke to the three men chatting and drinking tea at a table in the corner. A knock came from the door and Wang Zhangan came in.
“The car’s ready.” He told them. I sat up and watched Master Ge and Zhou Yong gather their things. They both said brief farewells to Master Liu and waved a hand at me. When they were gone Master Liu turned to me.
“Up and at ‘em,” He said, and walked out the door with Wang Zhangan. Readying myself and slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I followed the two men out the motel door.
I walked behind the men as we trudged towards the center of the village. Master Liu was telling Wang Zhangan almost everything that had happened. Wang Zhangan was less receptive of the story than Zhou Jie had been, but there was a studious intent on the man’s face as he listened.
The muscular man let out an exasperated whoop at the end of the tale. "Master Liu, I want to thank you! Sounds like you boys did mighty good work! I’ll keep the details to myself, with the exception of my superior. Do you think we should unearth the whole damn thing or seal it up?"
"Seal it!" Master Liu said at once.
Wang Zhangan nodded emphatically. "I hear you. I’ll urge the finance bureau to get the funds for it ASAP. Do you think we should move the school? This place might be better off if some kind of law moves in to keep an eye on it, ya’ know?"
Master Liu’s expression pinched into one of deep thought. It seemed the wine hadn’t soaked up any of his smarts on its way out. "As soon as possible, yes, but I think that’s a long term solution. In the meantime, let the children continue to go to school above the gravesite. Their Yang air has kept it docile this long.”
Wang Zhangan nodded as Master Liu continued, "I know of someone who can help. He’s a teacher and his child has an exuberant air about him, maybe even more than this one.” Master Liu gestured back at me.
Wang Zhangan shot a glance at me and laughed. "Didn’t you mention him before? Was it Shang Haoming? The boy from-"
Master Liu cut him off, "You remember!"
Wang Zhangan’s wide grin dominated his face, "Of course I do! Ooh boy, special kids comin’ in to save the day! What a week."
Master Liu and Wang Zhangan continued to talk and walk aimlessly around the village. I kept pace just a few steps behind them and let my attention wander in and out of the conversation. We didn’t reach my house until mid afternoon.
Over the next several days Master Liu stayed in our village. He made frequent trips to the well site behind the school and even more to the government hub that had been set up across the street. To quell the constant barrage of onlookers, the government released an official statement in the paper, on the news, and by loudspeaker on the street. In less than two days the verdict was out.
“The incident concerning the school grounds has been resolved. We found traces off biochemical weaponry of Japanese origin, but there is no cause for alarm. Military specialists were sent into the area to contain and confiscate any hazardous materials. The area has been sealed off for the time being. A new education facility will be constructed on the property after the land is deemed safe for all.”
Summer went on and soon the whole event was another fabled story in the town’s arsenal of weird. The military crew under Wang Zhangan’s direction cleaned up the school grounds and left the village. A heavy block of concrete now sat where the well entrance once was. It even had a very sinister looking fence propped around it.
The afternoon after the military vacated the village, Master Liu leaned over the dinner table at me with a look that I’d come to recognize. Knowing exactly what was going to come next, I felt my face grow hot and my eyes start to water.
“You’re leaving.” I told him, knowing the answer already.
“Don’t cry Xiao Yong, you’re a big boy now. How’re you going to get a girlfriend if you spend all summer crying about an old man?” He asked.
"I don't want a girlfriend!" I half sobbed.
He laughed and went on, "The next few years are going to be a trial, Xiao Yong. I’ve learned many things this summer and I won’t be able to come back for some time. I want you to call this number if you need me.” He handed me a small white slip of paper. It was curled at the edges as if he’d been working it in his hands. “You tell them you’re my godson and they’ll deliver your message. Use this,” He paused, wrapping his gnarled hand around mine, “Only if you absolutely have to.”
My parents came into the room and he repeated the message. My dad plucked the paper out of my hands and examined it before slipping it into his pocket.
My mom asked about my eyes and Master Liu assured her that I’d be fine for a few years. He mentioned the medicine, but chose to exclude the details surrounding it.
"Remember to practice the movements for Da Hong fist.” He told me. “Don't be lazy. A healthy body will help your eyes."
"Oh don’t you worry,” My mom said with a wicked smile, “I’ll keep an eye on him. There aren’t any lazy boys in this house.”
I looked Master Liu, trying not to make eye contact with my mother who was now rubbing her hands together maliciously. "Master Liu, I want to learn from you."
The old man laughed and said, "Okay then! I’ll teach you how to invite God into your life, but remember that your success depends on your effort! Inviting God is a very powerful skill.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “You don’t want to call on a ferocious ghost now do you?” He leaned in to whisper, “Never ever do this for longer than fifteen minutes. More might end very badly.” I was taken aback by the seriousness in that whisper. I nodded eagerly and watched.
Master Liu performed a Taoist rite similar to the defensive move he’d shone me before we went into the well.
I mimicked his motions to the barest quiver of fingers and practiced many times.
“Not bad, but not great.” He smiled at me. “Keep practicing and be smart. If I hear you’ve been using what I’ve taught you to get into fights I’ll come back here and take it all away!”
My eyes widened at the thought. An image of Master Liu pulling something out of my very soul flashed through my head.
“What if someone tries to hurt me, what should I do?"
"We do not use Taoism to hurt people. Kung fu will keep you safe and healthy. You can use it, but don’t cause any trouble.” He said, leaning back in his chair and seeping wisdom.
I nodded immediately.
After that Master Liu left. He was gone for what felt like ages. He was gone for what came next and what came after, but most importantly he was gone when I needed him the most.
I was alone during the next encounter and it was horrible.
Chapter 61 It's Time to Leave NowThe medicine did it? I asked him, stunned. "Were you trying to kill me?"Master Liu leaned close to me and brought with him a wave of sour wine smell. Nonsense! Don't be daft, boy! He raised a knuckle and wrapped it sharply on my forehead. Ow! I cringed back and raised my hands in defense. Master Liu continued, "Listen and don't interrupt.""Gui Yuanzi knew that he couldn't win. My spirit friend proved too intimidating for him. When I pursued him to the Hou-faced door, he opened it with a secret switch. Behind the door were two coffins. Two! Side by side! His bloodshot eyes were glossy, but alight somehow. He looked like an excited little kid. "Two coffins? I said, unable to contain the words. Whose is the other coffin?"The old man wobbled a bit before me. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hand gestured towards the other bed inside the room as he said, "Master Ge's grandmaster. The family insignia was etched on it. A very powerful golden Yang amulet binds the tombs together. A powerful suppression amulet. Gui Yuanzi's words rebounded in my memory. "But, Gui Yuanzi said that Master Ge's ancestor ran away like a coward. No, he said that they were murderers I looked at Master Liu for help. Why..."Master Liu's eyes opened again, "Gui Yuanzi has been holding Master Ge's grandmaster prisoner all this time, probably cultivating him to be part of this ritual. He planned to consume the old master and become even stronger. He was trying to throw us off his trail!""The Taoists must have sealed them in first and then started to refine the snake spirit on their own. They were probably trying to use it to achieve the same damn immortality that Gui Yuanzi was after!"Still trying to make sense of Master Ge's involvement in the whole thing, I couldn't give the others any thought. How did you get rid of Gui Yuanzi? And what about the other coffin? Did you seal them away?Master Liu marveled at me through his glassy eyes. "Very good. He smiled slightly and went on, I burned Gui Yuanzi with Sky Thunder fire. When I removed his Shen Yuan for your cure, well let's say he won't be hurting anyone else."I remembered the furry pill and swallowed. My throat clicked in the quiet room. And Master Ge's grandmaster?""I burned him too. Master Liu said in a hushed tone. Though the body didn't have a Shen Yuan of its own. It seems that someone stole it. That's one less complication. I thought. "So I'm connected to this because I ate a part of Gui Yuanzi? Then I'm not, uh, related to Master Ge's grandmaster?Master Liu nodded and a flood of relief swept through me. Are you going to tell Master Ge? Master Liu shook his head, "I burned his grandmaster. I severed a connection through his heritage. You don't understand now, but maybe some day you will. I can't tell him. His line can never know." The old man's eyes shook with sincerity, and something else I didn't recognize.So no treasure. I said, not really asking. The tension in the room felt like a building sitting on the two of us.Master Liu shook his head again and said, "Gui Yuanzi spent many years becoming that monster. Something that only Master Ge's grandmaster could have known how to do. What we need to know now is who stole his Shen Yuan. Who would willingly connect themselves to an undead abomination?We sat in silence, both pondering the motivations of a madman. After a while I heard snoring from across the bed where Master Liu sat. I tugged on his shoulder until he slumped over on the bed into a laying position. I stretched out on my side and tried to sleep. A peaceful dark swept over me and soon it was morning. The next day I awoke to the three men chatting and drinking tea at a table in the corner. A knock came from the door and Wang Zhangan came in. The car's ready. He told them. I sat up and watched Master Ge and Zhou Yong gather their things. They both said brief farewells to Master Liu and waved a hand at me. When they were gone Master Liu turned to me.Up and at em, He said, and walked out the door with Wang Zhangan. Readying myself and slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I followed the two men out the motel door. I walked behind the men as we trudged towards the center of the village. Master Liu was telling Wang Zhangan almost everything that had happened. Wang Zhangan was less receptive of the story than Zhou Jie had been, but there was a studious intent on the man's face as he listened. The muscular man let out an exasperated whoop at the end of the tale. "Master Liu, I want to thank you! Sounds like you boys did mighty good work! I'll keep the details to myself, with the exception of my superior. Do you think we should unearth the whole damn thing or seal it up?""Seal it!" Master Liu said at once. Wang Zhangan nodded emphatically. "I hear you. I'll urge the finance bureau to get the funds for it ASAP. Do you think we should move the school? This place might be better off if some kind of law moves in to keep an eye on it, ya' know?"Master Liu's expression pinched into one of deep thought. It seemed the wine hadn't soaked up any of his smarts on its way out. "As soon as possible, yes, but I think that's a long term solution. In the meantime, let the children continue to go to school above the gravesite. Their Yang air has kept it docile this long.Wang Zhangan nodded as Master Liu continued, "I know of someone who can help. He's a teacher and his child has an exuberant air about him, maybe even more than this one. Master Liu gestured back at me. Wang Zhangan shot a glance at me and laughed. "Didn't you mention him before? Was it Shang Haoming? The boy from-"Master Liu cut him off, "You remember!"Wang Zhangan's wide grin dominated his face, "Of course I do! Ooh boy, special kids comin' in to save the day! What a week."Master Liu and Wang Zhangan continued to talk and walk aimlessly around the village. I kept pace just a few steps behind them and let my attention wander in and out of the conversation. We didn't reach my house until mid afternoon. Over the next several days Master Liu stayed in our village. He made frequent trips to the well site behind the school and even more to the government hub that had been set up across the street. To quell the constant barrage of onlookers, the government released an official statement in the paper, on the news, and by loudspeaker on the street. In less than two days the verdict was out.The incident concerning the school grounds has been resolved. We found traces off biochemical weaponry of Japanese origin, but there is no cause for alarm. Military specialists were sent into the area to contain and confiscate any hazardous materials. The area has been sealed off for the time being. A new education facility will be constructed on the property after the land is deemed safe for all. Summer went on and soon the whole event was another fabled story in the town's arsenal of weird. The military crew under Wang Zhangan's direction cleaned up the school grounds and left the village. A heavy block of concrete now sat where the well entrance once was. It even had a very sinister looking fence propped around it. The afternoon after the military vacated the village, Master Liu leaned over the dinner table at me with a look that I'd come to recognize. Knowing exactly what was going to come next, I felt my face grow hot and my eyes start to water.You're leaving. I told him, knowing the answer already. Don't cry Xiao Yong, you're a big boy now. How're you going to get a girlfriend if you spend all summer crying about an old man? He asked. "I don't want a girlfriend!" I half sobbed. He laughed and went on, "The next few years are going to be a trial, Xiao Yong. I've learned many things this summer and I won't be able to come back for some time. I want you to call this number if you need me. He handed me a small white slip of paper. It was curled at the edges as if he'd been working it in his hands. You tell them you're my godson and they'll deliver your message. Use this, He paused, wrapping his gnarled hand around mine, Only if you absolutely have to.My parents came into the room and he repeated the message. My dad plucked the paper out of my hands and examined it before slipping it into his pocket. My mom asked about my eyes and Master Liu assured her that I'd be fine for a few years. He mentioned the medicine, but chose to exclude the details surrounding it. "Remember to practice the movements for Da Hong fist. He told me. Don't be lazy. A healthy body will help your eyes.""Oh don't you worry, My mom said with a wicked smile, I'll keep an eye on him. There aren't any lazy boys in this house. I looked Master Liu, trying not to make eye contact with my mother who was now rubbing her hands together maliciously. "Master Liu, I want to learn from you."The old man laughed and said, "Okay then! I'll teach you how to invite God into your life, but remember that your success depends on your effort! Inviting God is a very powerful skill. He wiggled his eyebrows at me. You don't want to call on a ferocious ghost now do you? He leaned in to whisper, Never ever do this for longer than fifteen minutes. More might end very badly. I was taken aback by the seriousness in that whisper. I nodded eagerly and watched.Master Liu performed a Taoist rite similar to the defensive move he'd shone me before we went into the well.I mimicked his motions to the barest quiver of fingers and practiced many times.Not bad, but not great. He smiled at me. Keep practicing and be smart. If I hear you've been using what I've taught you to get into fights I'll come back here and take it all away! My eyes widened at the thought. An image of Master Liu pulling something out of my very soul flashed through my head.What if someone tries to hurt me, what should I do?""We do not use Taoism to hurt people. Kung fu will keep you safe and healthy. You can use it, but don't cause any trouble. He said, leaning back in his chair and seeping wisdom. I nodded immediately.After that Master Liu left. He was gone for what felt like ages. He was gone for what came next and what came after, but most importantly he was gone when I needed him the most. I was alone during the next encounter and it was horrible.
