Although he usually called him “old Taoist” all the time, deep down, Ethan Foster had great respect for his master. Not to mention anything else, just the kindness of raising him for more than ten years had already made Ethan Foster regard the old Taoist as his own parent. So no matter what, Ethan Foster would never sell anything passed down to him by the old Taoist.

Chapter 4: The Taoist Descends the Mountain (Part 2)

“If you don’t want to sell it, then don’t. Isn’t it just a broken watch? Fatty here has other ways…”

Chad understood Ethan Foster’s feelings for the old Taoist, so he didn’t bring it up again. Instead, he said, “Pack up your things. We’ll go down the mountain today. Stay at my place for a day, and then tomorrow we’ll go to Jinling City to look around and see if we can find something to do…”

“Alright, wait for me a bit. I’ll gather up the things I want to take down the mountain…”

After thinking for a moment, Ethan Foster nodded in agreement. Actually, Chad’s action of hiding his hands behind his back to wind the watch hadn’t escaped Ethan Foster’s notice, but he was still young and figured that just a few more days wouldn’t cause any problems.

“Then hurry up. Jack is still waiting for us at the foot of the mountain. He said we’ll go blow up some fish at the reservoir later, so we’ll have fish soup tonight…” The Jack that Chad mentioned was also a childhood friend who grew up with them. He used to hang around the Taoist temple with Chad, eating and drinking for free.

Since Jack’s family was in the stone business and often used explosives to blast mountains, and he was the third child, he got the nickname Jack.

But the nickname fit Jack well. He was the type who’d get into trouble if not disciplined for three days. When he was eight or nine, he dared to steal gunpowder fuses and detonators from home, make bombs with beer bottles, and go blow up fish. Because of this, the reservoir’s river guards often gave Jack’s family a hard time.

“Jack is back too? That kid’s been gone for years…”

Hearing Chad’s words, Ethan Foster showed a hint of joy on his face. The three of them had practically grown up together, running around naked until they were fifteen or sixteen. But Jack had gone off to join the army with Chad, and since there was no mail on the mountain, Ethan Foster hadn’t heard from Jack in years.

“Hmph, that kid wants to get married, so he retired from the army. Useless guy…”

Chad snorted disdainfully. He’d always held a grudge about Jack voluntarily requesting to leave the army. Back then, after Chad ate the regimental commissar’s chicken, even after bringing several hens to apologize under the company instructor’s lead, they couldn’t get forgiveness. The way he left the army was really a bit disgraceful.

“Get married?” Ethan Foster clasped his hands in front of his chest and shook his head, saying, “Master said, women are tigers—they can absorb a man’s masculine energy. Why is Jack in such a hurry to get married?”

“Is that really a thing?” Chad was stunned. He was always a bit wary of that mysterious old Taoist. If the old Taoist really said that, there might be some truth to it.

“It’s true, but Master also taught me bedroom arts, so men and women can cultivate together…”

Ethan Foster nodded seriously. Having grown up in the mountains, untouched by worldly dust, his mind was pure, so he spoke these words naturally, without the slightest embarrassment.

“Hey, Ethan, my dear brother, this dual cultivation technique—you… you have to teach me…” Hearing Ethan Foster’s words, Chad was so excited that his fat trembled all over. At this moment, he wouldn’t hesitate to call Ethan Foster anything, even “uncle,” if it meant learning the technique.

Before he was fifteen, Chad was as pure as Ethan Foster is now. But in the army, Chad saw a Japanese adult film for the first time, and his desires flared up like a fire.

However, the army was still pretty strict. It wasn’t until half a year ago, when Chad went out to work with the village construction crew, that he finally got a chance. On a dark and windy night, he snuck into a dimly lit little hair salon and ended his virgin days.

So now, hearing Ethan Foster say that relations between men and women could harm the body, Chad naturally cared a lot. Plus, rural areas were already a bit superstitious, so Chad immediately got nervous.

“Alright, I’ll teach you and Jack later…” That dual cultivation method was just some breathing and energy-guiding exercises. Ethan Foster didn’t mind—after all, the old Taoist never said it couldn’t be passed on.

“We’ll talk about it after we go down the mountain. I’ll go pack up first…” Seeing Chad’s eager look, Ethan Foster couldn’t help but curl his lip. Back when Master was teaching him to read and write, he’d never seen Chad so enthusiastic.

“Okay, okay, Ethan, you mustn’t forget…” Thinking that his future happiness depended on Ethan Foster, Chad grinned obsequiously, making Ethan Foster almost want to kick him out the door.

Ignoring Chad, Ethan Foster walked straight into the side room on the right side of the courtyard. This room had always been the old Taoist’s residence. Although the old Taoist had passed away three years ago, Ethan Foster never moved in. Instead, he cleaned it every day, keeping it spotless.

“Master’s self-portrait must be taken along…”