As Yip Chor ventured deeper into the garden, his senses heightened, and he became acutely aware of the bustling activity around him. The garden, though serene in its beauty, was heavily populated with cultivators engaged in various activities. He discreetly observed each path and thicket, searching for a hidden nook where he could shed his stolen robes and blend in with the surroundings.

However, every potential hiding spot seemed occupied, and the risk of discovery grew with each passing moment. His heart raced, and beads of sweat formed on his brow as he navigated through the intricate labyrinth of the garden. The serenity that initially enchanted him now felt like a prison, trapping him amid prying eyes and potential danger.

Just as despair began to creep in, Yip Chor's path led him to an unexpected sight—an amphitheatre nestled into the earth, its circular shape and descending tiers reminiscent of an ancient coliseum. Curiosity piqued, he cautiously approached.

As he neared the amphitheatre, the sound of a melodious voice reached his ears. It was a young woman, her beauty radiating like an ethereal aura. Her flowing black hair cascaded down her back, and her lilting accent lent an air of enchantment to her every word. The crowd in the amphitheatre hung on her every syllable, captivated by her wisdom and eloquence.

Yip Chor stood at the edge of the amphitheatre, captivated by the scene unfolding before him. Flowers floated in the air, defying gravity as they adorned the stage where the young woman stood. It was a scene straight out of a mystical novel, where magic and profound teachings intertwined. Surely this was a fairy who had descended from heaven!

The disciples seated in the amphitheatre noticed Yip Chor's presence, their eyes flickering with curiosity and surprise. Sensing his discomfort, a few of them rose from their seats and bowed low, offering him their places as a sign of respect. Yip Chor waved them away, his heart pounding with trepidation. He couldn't risk drawing more attention to himself, especially in such a sacred gathering.

He chose instead to stand at the periphery of the amphitheatre, careful not to disrupt the disciples' focus. The young woman's words washed over him, seemingly carrying profound insights and ancient wisdom. Though he couldn't comprehend every nuance of her teachings, he found comfort and rejuvenation in the serenity of her voice and the mesmerizing cadence of her speech.

This must be Dao preaching he concluded. This was what his siblings must have listened to daily when they arrived in the celestial city. His heart pounded for a new reason now, that being excited at the prospect of listening to an immortal preach. There were legends that Dao's preaching could bring a thousand insights in a single moment! As he continued listening, he began to get the gist of what the lady fairy was preaching but he couldn’t help but come to a conclusion… He disagreed with what she was saying!

He began to shake his head.

The disciples seated nearby stole glances in Yip Chor's direction, their gazes filled with curiosity and wonder. They whispered among themselves, their words barely audible over the murmurs of the crowd.

"Who is that standing on the outskirts? Do you recognize him? He seems to be at odds with the sermon!"

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

"I've never seen him before. Perhaps he's a visiting cultivator from a distant sect?"

"He has the garments of an ancestor but he seems out of place somehow. Look at the way he watches her."

As the young woman continued to captivate the audience with her words, she noticed Yip Chor standing at the periphery of the amphitheatre, shaking his head from side to side, vehemently. Her serenade of wisdom halted abruptly as she bowed deeply, a gesture of respect for the presumed ancestral elder before her.

Yip Chor, caught off guard by the sudden interruption, returned the bow with a nod, his eyes wide with surprise. He tried to maintain an air of sage-like wisdom, his posture mirroring how he believed an immortal ancestor to stand, but his inability to speak left him at a loss for words. The young woman, mistaking his silence for humility, introduced herself with a graceful smile.

"Ancestral Elder, I am Li Mei. It is an honour to meet you," she said, her voice filled with reverence. "I have heard tales of your unparalleled wit and your victory in a legendary Dao debate against the Azure Dragonfly. Little me has said incorrect things. Please, grace us with your wisdom."

Yip Chor, unable to respond verbally, found himself in a shocked into a comical predicament. He gestured wildly, flailing his arms and contorting his face in an attempt to communicate his inability to participate in a verbal exchange. But Li Mei, oblivious to his silent pleas, misinterpreted his eccentric motions as a sign of profound wisdom and enlightenment.

"Ah, I see! The Elder's wisdom is so vast that it transcends the need for words," Li Mei exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "Please, share with us your thoughts on the nature of existence and the essence of cultivation. We are eager to learn from you, oh revered ancestor!"

Yip Chor's eyes widened in disbelief as Li Mei eagerly awaited his response. The absurdity of the situation struck him, and he couldn't help but wish that he could hide under a stone. He tried to convey his predicament through exaggerated facial expressions behind his bandages and exaggerated gestures, hoping to convey his lack of verbal prowess. However, Li Mei remained resolute in her belief that he possessed profound insights.

The whispers among the disciples grew louder, their voices filled with curiosity and scepticism. Some openly questioned the supposed ancestor's mental faculties, convinced that his eccentric behaviour was a sign of advanced dementia.

"He seems more confused than ever. Is this a test of our faith?"

"The Headmaster needs to be informed. Ancestral Hu's condition has worsened."

"I never imagined our esteemed ancestor would become so eccentric in his later years."

As the whispers swirled around the amphitheatre, an elder from the sect approached, his demeanour stern and inquisitive. Having met Ancestor Hu before in person, he sensed something amiss and felt compelled to address the situation respectfully but with a targeted inquiry. His voice carried a hint of concern and suspicion as he directed his questions towards Yip Chor, seeking a way to ascertain his true identity without raising the undue alarm.

"Ancestral Hu," the elder began, his voice laced with a mixture of reverence and caution. "Might I inquire about the azure dragonfly's wisdom that you so valiantly triumphed over during a profound Dao debate? It is a matter known only to our ancestors and the most distinguished senior elders and is yet to be revealed. Understandably, you cannot speak due to your cultivation of silence, so simply shake or nod your head. Please, Ancestor, reveal to us your counter to the Azure dragonfly's argument that the endless string of destiny could be severed."

All eyes turned to Yip Chor, anticipation filling the air as the elder posed a question that only the true Ancestor Hu could answer. Panic gripped Yip Chor's heart as he struggled to recall any knowledge of an azure dragonfly or the supposed triumph in a Dao debate with some book or ancient text he had read. He searched his memory, desperately hoping for some hidden clue or scrap of wisdom to emerge. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple as he struggled to find a response that would preserve his hidden identity.

Stepping forward Yip Chor did the only thing he could do. He slapped the elder on the face with the back of his hand.