“Oh? Getting off work so soon?” Seeing that Marcus was about to leave just around 15 minutes after his official shift ended, Captain Ko asked with a smile.

“Yeah - yeah, I have a - a guided meditation session.” Marcus hesitated for a while, then shrugged.

“Okay, then enjoy your time and rest well.” Captain Ko smiled and yawned: “I have to get back early too, my wife’s not very happy with me today because I left too early this morning and disturbed her sleep. So I’d better bring some snacks back with me.”

“Alright, have a good night then captain.”

“Oh, and before I forget - ” Captain Ko doubled back as he was about to exit the main gate: “If you want, you can try to access those blue envelope files now. Just don’t share anything with Ms. Lee yet. I can find some excuse for you - some breakthrough in our investigation, a sudden inspiration, blah blah blah, just let me know when you do, then we can work on what to say to the security committee and the councilman.”

“That would be very helpful, thank you very much, Captain.” Marcus nodded. He still had reservations about this. Possibly something he needed to find a good time to do.

Marcus’ guided meditation session was in fact his normal training session with Master Liaoran, only slightly earlier than his usual time. For he simply had more questions and favors to ask. It was beginning to become a bit embarrassing as to how much he had gained from the Temple of Forgetfulness yet did not get a chance to pay the master back. He could possibly return the favor by helping Bai Gu, or Wuzui, with certain things, possibly in the future.

“Greetings, detective.” As usual, it was Wuzui who opened the gate for Marcus: “Thank you for coming, Master will be with you shortly. He’s still in a meeting with some other donors.”

“Ah, it’s fine.” Marcus shrugged and walked towards the inner sanctum with Wuzui: “How are you doing? Are things… going well?”

“Namo Amitabha. Things are as they are and should be. My gratitude for your thoughts and concern.” Wuzui responded lightly with his right hand in a praying pose in front of his chest: “Considering how things are in the city.”

“Yeah. Hopefully things will blow over soon, well …” Marcus did not even finish his own sentence before shaking his head at his words: “What can I say - it’d be nice if things CAN go back to normal. I’m afraid that’s more of a daydream now.”

“This monk definitely understands. ” Wuzui sighed along with Marcus: “Yet, it is important to have faith.”

Marcus chuckled and did not respond directly. His usual mat was on the ground where it usually was, and he sat down on it like he usually did.

“Detective …” Wuzui stood on the side, somewhat hesitant in what he was about to say: “Did you recently encounter something - ”

“Yeah. This is why I came here early, earlier than we agreed.” Marcus nodded and looked Wuzui in his eyes: “What? What do you see? Something unusual?”

“I - this monk cannot say for sure, for my cultivation has all but just begun. Something strange and arcane looms over you, detective. Both like dark, grim clouds. Yet a ray of light pierces through. A light steadfast and unwavering. ” Wuzui thought for a brief moment before giving Marcus his carefully worded answer: “This monk thinks, as I know you would, you have taken upon yourself to walk a strange and arduous path. This makes your light, your fire and your shadows unclear. And it is probably best for the master - ”

“Wuzui, what did I teach you about reading the aura of others?” Master Liaoran’s voice interjected.

“It is unbecoming of a practitioner and a cultivator. I know, master.” Wuzui immediately bowed and lowered his head: “I am fully aware of my wrong doing. My apologies.”

“Please, master, I asked him to - ”

“Considering that Detective Cai is your acquaintance, this is an understandable offense. ” Master Liaoran came in: “Your punishment is one incense stick.”

“Understood. I’ll be right on it.” Wuzui bowed to Master Liaoran, then paced away.

“Master, you shouldn’t - ” Marcus tried to explain: “I really did ask him.”

“And it is very natural of you to do so, for I can see why.” Master Liaoran looked Marcus up and down: “Wise and cautious decision on your part. But it’s precisely because of this, Wuzui should have been wise to not overtell and decline your request. He is far from there yet. Deciphering auras and omens without the right ability is a serious taboo. A practitioner, a monk and a cultivator should not be confused or blinded by social conditions, relations and interactions. Enlightenment cannot be achieved, if one is obsessed with what lies in front, what’s behind and what’s under the feet.” He sat down on his mat, gesturing to Marcus to sit in front of him.

Marcus sighed, then sat down as instructed: “Understood, master.” Then he could not help but ask: “What - uh, what’s that punishment? One incense stick?”

“Meditation in the pool, for the length of time enough for one incense stick to burn completely off.” Master Liaoran smiled, pulling a small incense burner from his sleeve, and sticking one incense stick in it. He then used his finger to light the incense stick, while looking Marcus in his eyes: “You brought something with you. Something very arcane, no?”

“Yes. Indeed.” Marcus nodded and pulled a small cloth pouch from his jacket. Inside this cloth pouch was an envelope made of talisman paper, inside of which was the piece of fabric from that White Wuchang’s robe. He proceeded to tell the master everything that happened in his apartment complex during the night of return of the old man, including the conversation he and his father had with the old man’s family.

“Wuchang Robe. You’ve got a small piece of highly sought after treasure.” Master Liaoran nodded: “It is a token of gratitude. Legend says that with a full robe, you will be able to transcend the boundaries of life and death. And even with this small piece, it should grant you enough protection to not be confused or bewitched by malicious beings.”

“But - what of the visions I saw? I made sure with my father, he did not have any visions.”

“That is something this monk cannot answer you right away.” Master Liaoran sighed: “Warnings and cautions of atrocities and malice seem worthless and cliche these days. So - I should have something to tell you next time. But before that, here’s a question for you: what do you know about the concept of Qiyun?”