It was evening by the time Xu Qing left the summit. He had stayed the whole day, playing a few games of Go with his Master. Every time he lost, Master Seventh laughed heartily. Xu Qing would always spend time thoughtfully looking at the board. Occasionally he would instinctively reach out and grab one of the nearby pastries to eat. As he chewed, he would stare intently at the board.4

The pastries were delicious. Xu Qing had never had anything like them. What was especially noteworthy was that, after eating them, they would stir his dharma force. There were clearly some extraordinary medicinal ingredients in them.7

Master Seventh really seemed to enjoy Xu Qing’s thoughtful expression.0

For the entire day, no one disturbed them. When the servant came for the ninth time with more pastries, Xu Qing ate one and then sighed.0

“Master, I forfeit.” He stood, a look of admiration on his face as he clasped hands and bowed to Master Seventh. Master Seventh looked very pleased. Looking outside at how dark it was getting, Xu Qing bid farewell and left.2

Master Seventh watched him go, then looked at the tray of pastries off to the side.0

“He ate nine trays...” the servant said.4

Master Seventh sighed. “Ai. The older I get, the more I enjoy spending time with the young ones. Sadly, if you...9