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[cutsleeve]

For all your threading or PSL needs with this disaster child.

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[softheartedshizun]

Perhaps a bit late, but, not impossible. I know of...

I know those who, perhaps don't get as far as others, still manage to at least become mid-tier cultivators at a later age.

[cutsleeve]

Mid-tier... mm.

[ Somehow, the words don't reassure him that much. ]

What sort of things would you teach one of your disciples, if they were falling behind? If... it's alright to tell me.

[softheartedshizun]

I suppose it depends on the reasons. If their foundations are not proper, fixing that is a start. There are times when basics need to be retrained from the beginning. Perhaps one on one training if it's a mix of other things.

[Though if he thought about it, the only person he had needed to do one on one with was Luo Binghe, and that was because he was being picked on and never got the right foundations.]

[cutsleeve]

How would they know which it is? Or would I--would they ask their teachers if they couldn't determine what to focus on?

[softheartedshizun]

Of course, the master would determine that, and one's shixiong or shijie should also be able to lend assistance.

[But then... if one's master was not properly attending to the disciple and they were ostracized from their sect brothers and sisters....]

Perhaps trying some meditation exercises first may help....

[cutsleeve]

What sort of exercises?! Please teach me!

[ He leans forward suddenly, gaze intense almost as much as it is pleading.

He sure did drop the "asking for a friend" act quickly... ]

[softheartedshizun]

To calm the mind.

[Since that was the most important thing to have a hold on if you go into secluded cultivation. But, he wouldn't recommend that any time soon. However, hopefully it might help.]

Do you know anywhere here that is calm and full of spiritual energy? If you do, we can go there in the morning and I can teach you a few practices.

[Something relatively safe and simple.]

[cutsleeve]

Spiritual energy?

No... not at Koi Tower. Well, um, maybe there is... but I wouldn't be allowed anywhere like that anyway. I know several places that are calm, if that's... enough.

[softheartedshizun]

Calm is good enough.

[And safer, probably safer.]

[cutsleeve]

Then yes, I'd be happy to show you to a place like that. I... Thank you. I'm very honored that you're taking the time to show me so much consideration, even though I must be imposing on you...

[ He stands up and gives a proper bow to demonstrate his sincerity. ]

[softheartedshizun]

Not at all. I'm more than glad to help in any way I can.

[In fact it was quite comforting to do so, otherwise, he felt a little too idle.]

[cutsleeve]

I... oh. I've occupied a lot of your time already, Master Shen; is there anything I am keeping you from?

[ Since he's already standing, it would be a good time for him to walk off, if Shen Qingqiu has other things he wants to spend his time on... ]

[softheartedshizun]

I have nothing I need to do.

[And nothing he particularly wanted to do.]

So, you are keeping me from nothing important. I hope I haven't kept you too long and away from any duties you might have.

[cutsleeve]

You haven't. Right now the other disciples are preparing to go night-hunting tonight, but no one ever lets me in their group, so I'm not able to go... out...

[ He suddenly realizes what he just said and gets flustered, quickly sitting down next to Shen Qingqiu again and keeping his gaze on his own boots. ]

I mean, um, it's not as bad as that makes it sound. Please forget I said that.

[softheartedshizun]

[Ah, his heart could go out to him. This was clearly a case of bullying, right? Though, if he was having some issues struggling, maybe it was better not to go anywhere yet.

Still....]

Perhaps it would be alright if I accompanied you?

[cutsleeve]

A-accompanied me? Do you mean, ah, on a... night hunt...?

[ His tone of voice is tentatively hopeful. Surely he misinterpreted, but, if he were to get a chance to night hunt with a strong and skillful cultivator...

Ah, but he can just imagine the sorts of rumors that would circulate from that. Even if their guest would never hear anything in order to protect the Jin Sect's shameful secrets, Mo Xuanyu is certain that he wouldn't hear the end of it once the man leaves. Perhaps it really isn't a good idea after all. ]

[softheartedshizun]

Yes. Since I am unfamiliar with this area it would be a good chance to learn of the surroundings as well.

[And see what kinds of monsters were here! Though, this seemed less about interesting and creative battle creatures and more horror... but, well, he could roll with that!]

[cutsleeve]

I... I suppose I could ask if it's alright.

Ah. If this is for tonight, I should go quickly. I'd still need to prepare...

[ He stands up and turns to leave, then glances back at Shen Qingqiu. He isn't sure whether to ask him to come along while he finds one of his teachers, but in the end decides it's best not to trouble him too much more. ]

Please wait here. I'll be right back and let you know what they say.

[ Then he starts actually leaving. ]

[softheartedshizun]

This master will not depart any time soon.

[And, still had nothing better to do. So yes, go ask, go prepare. He'll just be idle, people watching, it really wasn't as bad as some people feel it is.]

[cutsleeve]

[ It takes a while longer before Mo Xuanyu suddenly runs back up to Shen Qingqiu, out of breath, the biggest smile the man's probably ever seen him make on his face. ]

They said yes! [ He has to take a few more deep breaths before he can say the rest. ] We're gathering at the west exit gate right before sundown. It's, ah... [ He trails off, then points in a direction. (It's west.) ] It's that way. I'll come back here first and find you if you want. I need to keep getting ready, but-- [ Mo Xuanyu turns on his heels and runs off again, calling over his shoulder. ] --thank you! Thank you so much, Master Shen!

[softheartedshizun]

Of course.

[He was glad to have lifted his mood so much. But then, very little could help ones mood when they are neglected. Had he not already learned that? He still didn't really know why. He didn't do much, and wasnt going out of his way. He never considered that maybe he was simply a nice person in nature.]

I can meet you at the west exit. I would not want to eat into your prep time.

[cutsleeve]

[ Sundown is not too long after that, and Mo Xuanyu hasn't been keeping his things in order for night hunts. After all, he only rarely got to go out on them nowadays, so he usually used the time either for solitary cultivation or, if he was extremely lucky, spending time with Jin Guangyao. But Jin Guangyao was going to be out for another four days, so he hadn't even had that to possibly look forward to tonight.

When he shows up at the west exit gate, despite keeping to the outside of the group, he's soon noticed and fixed with several not-so-subtle sideways looks of contempt. He knows they're wondering what he's doing there, carrying a sword and several assorted pouches on his belt, with a standard set of vambraces on his arms, as if he expects to see combat. Mo Xuanyu does his best to ignore their stares and instead looks around for Shen Qingqiu. ]

[softheartedshizun]

[Shen Qingqiu was just the right amount of not quite late but not early enough to be awkward. His sword hung at his side and his fan was elegantly sitting in his hand. Though he didn't look like he had any other supplies with him, he had made sure to take a few things with him and placed them in his sleeve. He wasn't so much a fool that he wouldn't make sure to have medicine and other items that could be useful. Though, he doubted much would be needed. He had no intention of going after anything properly dangerous. Though he would have to take some extra precaution, doing things at night sounded exactly how you star yourself in a horror movie and die!]

Young Xuanyu, there you are.

[He spoke elegantly, but with a hint of coolness as was befitting his image.]

[cutsleeve]

[ At the words, an awkward hush settles over the other disciples, and Mo Xuanyu does his best not to look at them as he shuffle-walks his way over to Shen Qingqiu. He stops in front of him, standing unnaturally straight, then salutes and gives a deep bow. ]

Master Shen, you do me much honor by agreeing to accompany me tonight. You have my most sincere thanks.

[ He doesn't want anyone to see him not acting proper enough, when he's being accompanied by an honorable guest of the sect.

No sooner does he straighten up than one of the other disciples whispers, just loud enough for him to hear,

"Hey, wonder if he's gonna try to do that with--"

before getting elbowed by the one he's whispering to. Mo Xuanyu immediately goes stiff, his expression freezing in a look of fear, and he quickly turns his gaze to look at his boots instead of Shen Qingqiu.

Maybe... Maybe Shen Qingqiu didn't hear it. ]

[softheartedshizun]

[Do what with? Their Night Hunt thing?

Thankfully even though Shen Qingqiu heard their muttering, how could he not with his immortal hearing, he didn't piece together what their intent was. It would never occur to him in a million years they could mean something of that sort.]

There is no need for thanks. This master is more than glad to see the sights and monsters of this area and enjoy a bit of adventure while here.