"I wonder if Zihang is the owner of this magnificent ship?"
After savoring his milk tea for a while, Lin Jiu posed the question to Chu Zihang with genuine curiosity.
"Haha, Uncle Jiu is far too kind. I'm from another world just like yourself," Chu Zihang replied with a warm smile. "This ship is called the Bamboo Staff Restaurant. One of its owners is currently engrossed in gaming on the fourth floor, another has ventured off to explore a different world entirely, and the final owner..." He gestured toward the bar with an amused expression. "Well, he's taking his afternoon nap right over there."
Facing Lin Jiu, Chu Zihang abandoned his usual stoic demeanor completely. There was something about the Taoist master that put him at ease, encouraging a more relaxed conversation as he pointed toward Tom, who was peacefully sleeping sprawled across the polished bar counter.
"I had assumed the cat was your pet, Zihang, but I never imagined it would be one of the actual owners of this establishment!"
When Lin Jiu had first descended to the main floor, he had naturally noticed Tom's slumbering form, but the thought of associating the feline with the ownership of the Bamboo Staff Bistro had never even crossed his mind. The very notion seemed almost absurd.
"Uncle Jiu, the cat's name is Tom. He's definitely not a pet, but rather one of the Bamboo Staff Bistro's genuine owners," Chu Zihang explained patiently, shaking his head with gentle amusement. "Tom possesses the ability to speak human language fluently, can read and write with remarkable skill, and demonstrates an incredibly versatile range of talents that would surprise most people."
The dragon blood hybrid's tone carried a mixture of respect and fondness as he spoke about the cartoon cat.
"Tom? Now that's certainly an unusual name for a cat."
Lin Jiu stroked his beard thoughtfully, his weathered features creasing with contemplation. "If it can speak human language, could it possibly be some form of monster spirit? A cat demon, perhaps?"
After hearing Chu Zihang's detailed description, Lin Jiu found himself naturally drawn to two conclusions. First, that Tom's name was distinctly foreign and strange to his ears. Second, and more importantly from his perspective as a Taoist practitioner, any creature capable of human speech would typically be classified as a supernatural entity. In his experience, what else could such a being be but a demon of some sort?
"Uncle, Tom isn't a demon at all, but rather a truly magical cat with extraordinary abilities," Chu Zihang clarified with patient understanding. "As for his distinctive name, it's simply because he originates from America, where such names are quite common."
The explanation rolled off Chu Zihang's tongue easily, though he knew it would likely raise more questions than it answered.
"America? What manner of country is that?" Lin Jiu inquired, his brow furrowing with genuine puzzlement. "I've never heard tell of such a place in all my travels."
The name was completely foreign to his ears, unlike any kingdom or territory he had encountered in his extensive studies or journeys.
"The United States is a vast nation located on the far side of the Western Ocean, beyond the great waters," Chu Zihang explained carefully. He wasn't entirely certain of the exact historical period Lin Jiu originated from, but based on the Taoist's mannerisms and speech patterns, it seemed to be some version of the early Republican era in China. With this in mind, he chose his words to be as comprehensible as possible to someone from that time period.
"Ah, I see! A Western nation, then!" Lin Jiu nodded with understanding, the explanation fitting neatly into his worldview. "That would certainly explain the unusual name and customs."
While the two men continued their enlightening conversation, Chu Zihang's enhanced senses suddenly detected the approach of another presence. He turned toward the Gate of All Worlds, and his eyes widened slightly as he observed a complete stranger emerging from the mystical portal.
The newcomer was an elderly man of distinguished bearing, his graying hair meticulously tied up in a traditional topknot. Long, flowing eyebrows framed wise eyes, while an impressive beard cascaded down his chest. The deep wrinkles etched across his weathered face spoke eloquently of countless years of experience, hardship, and accumulated wisdom.
The old man wore crisp white inner garments beneath a loose-fitting Taoist robe of deep marine blue. The outer robe was adorned with intricate embroidered patterns along its edges, their golden threads catching the light as he moved. Every aspect of his appearance, from his posture to his attire, clearly identified him as a practitioner of the Taoist arts.
When Lin Jiu caught sight of the visitor's traditional religious garments, recognition dawned immediately. He knew without doubt that this was a fellow Taoist practitioner. Moving with practiced grace, he quickly rose to his feet, placed his left hand over his right, brought both hands together in the traditional greeting posture, raised them to chest level, and executed a respectful bow.
"This humble practitioner has met a fellow Taoist!" Lin Jiu declared formally, his voice carrying the proper reverence.
The visitor, observing Lin Jiu's immediate recognition and traditional hand gestures, understood instantly that he had encountered a brother in the faith. Without hesitation, he mirrored the same respectful bow, his movements flowing with decades of practiced precision.
"This humble practitioner has met a fellow Taoist!" he responded in kind, his voice resonating with mutual respect.
Chu Zihang watched this formal exchange with fascination, his mind racing as he studied the newcomer's features carefully. He searched through his extensive memories of various fictional worlds, trying to place this distinctive face and bearing, but despite his thorough mental cataloging, he couldn't identify the corresponding character or source. The old Taoist remained a complete mystery to him.
"This humble practitioner would be honored to know the esteemed master's name," Lin Jiu inquired respectfully, following the proper protocols for such introductions.
After the initial formal greetings had been properly exchanged, it was appropriate to request more specific information about one's fellow practitioner.
"My Taoist name is Tiantong, and I am Zhang Zhiwei, the sixty-fifth generation Heavenly Master of the Celestial Master's Residence on Longhu Mountain," the visitor announced with quiet dignity.
The revelation struck like a thunderbolt. This was none other than Zhang Zhiwei, the legendary old Taoist master from Longhu Mountain featured in the series "Under One Person or the Outcast" – a figure of immense power and wisdom in the supernatural world.
(Under One Person" (The Outcast) is a Chinese manhua and animated series)
"This humble practitioner's Taoist name is Yimei, with the secular name Lin Jiu. I am a disciple of the fifty-third generation of Mount Mao, and I am deeply honored to meet the esteemed Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain!" Lin Jiu responded, his voice carrying newfound reverence.
(Author's note: Based on available historical records, Longhu Mountain's lineage was established during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, while Mount Mao's traditions began during the Southern Dynasties period. Since Uncle Jiu's exact generational position isn't definitively established in canon, I've set it as described above. And also Zhang Zhiwei and Tiantong are creations of the Manhua's author, not historical figures.)
Upon learning that Zhang Zhiwei held the prestigious title of Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain, Lin Jiu immediately adjusted his posture and performed a deeper, more formal bow. Although they belonged to different specific sects within the broader Taoist tradition, both were members of the Orthodox Unity School, and Zhang Zhiwei's status as Heavenly Master placed him in a position of significant authority compared to Lin Jiu's role as a disciple. Recognizing this hierarchy, Lin Jiu hastily corrected what he now realized had been an error in proper etiquette.
The simple bowing gesture was appropriate when addressing peers of equal standing, while the deeper kowtow was the correct form when showing respect to one's elders or superiors in the spiritual hierarchy.
"Please, my friend, there's no need for such formality between us," Zhang Zhiwei said warmly, stepping forward to help Lin Jiu rise. "The fifty-third generation of Maoshan and my sixty-fifth generation of Longhushan are actually of equivalent standing in our respective lineages. You and I can simply interact as equals and friends."
(Author's note: According to the research I've conducted, Zhang Zhiwei was born in 1900, while Lin Jiu's exact birth date remains unknown but likely falls somewhere between the 1880s and 1890s. For the purposes of this story, I'm treating them as generational equals.)
Zhang Zhiwei's gesture was genuinely kind, demonstrating the humility that marked true wisdom and spiritual advancement.
"Although our generations may indeed be equivalent, this humble practitioner Lin Jiu remains merely a disciple, while Brother Dao holds the exalted position of Heavenly Master," Lin Jiu insisted respectfully, maintaining his formal posture. "Proper etiquette and respect for rank cannot simply be abandoned, regardless of generational equivalence."
Lin Jiu's insistence on maintaining the appropriate bow reflected his deep commitment to traditional protocols and his understanding of the spiritual hierarchy that governed their world.
"Hey there! Are we entertaining new guests today?"
While Lin Jiu and Zhang Zhiwei continued their polite disagreement about proper etiquette and protocol, Gustave, who had been growing increasingly dizzy from his extended gaming session upstairs, decided it was time to descend and get some fresh air. To his pleasant surprise, he discovered that two fascinating new guests had arrived during his absence.
The chef's appearance was decidedly casual – he wore a simple tank top, comfortable loose shorts, and flip-flops, looking every bit like someone who had just stepped away from a relaxing afternoon of entertainment.
Chu Zihang had remained thoughtfully silent throughout the formal exchange, particularly during the intricate ritual of bows and greetings between the two Taoist masters. His mind couldn't help but wander to an amusing thought: If Lin Jiu were to encounter both Gustave and that particular old internet-addicted gaming enthusiast, what kind of elaborate ceremonial greeting would be considered appropriate for such an unusual meeting?
Hearing the new voice, both Lin Jiu and Zhang Zhiwei turned their attention toward the speaker, taking in Gustave's distinctly modern and casual appearance with varying degrees of surprise.
"Uncle Jiu, allow me to introduce Gustave, one of the three owners of this establishment," Chu Zihang explained, noticing Lin Jiu's slightly shocked expression at the Frenchman's informal attire.
The contrast between Gustave's relaxed appearance and the formal setting was quite striking, especially given the reverent atmosphere that had been established between the two Taoist practitioners.
Zhang Zhiwei, however, maintained his composure with remarkable ease. After all, he originated from the modern world where such casual dress was not only common but perfectly acceptable for relaxed environments. The sight of someone dressed comfortably in their own home didn't faze him in the slightest.
"Lin Jiu of Mount Mao respectfully greets Master Gustave," Lin Jiu declared, executing another proper bow toward the French chef.
Despite the informal appearance, Lin Jiu's training and respect for proper protocol demanded that he show appropriate deference to one of the establishment's owners.
"Zhang Zhiwei of Longhu Mountain respectfully greets Master Gustave," Zhang Zhiwei added, following Lin Jiu's lead in showing proper courtesy.
Seeing Lin Jiu maintain such formal politeness despite the casual circumstances, Zhang Zhiwei felt compelled to match the level of respect being demonstrated.
"Oh my! Uncle Jiu and the Old Heavenly Master! Please, please, take your seats and make yourselves comfortable," Gustave responded enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up with recognition and excitement. "I just came down from an extended gaming session upstairs and haven't had the chance to properly tidy up my appearance yet. My apologies for the casual attire!"
When Gustave heard these were the legendary figures he had heard in his eastern culinary trip, he immediately extended a warm invitation for them to sit and relax. One was the renowned Sage Master of All Realms, while the other was the old Heavenly Master famous for his actions speaking louder than words. Gustave was incredibly familiar with both of these legendary personalities from his knowledge of their respective worlds.
After listening to Gustave's enthusiastic greeting, Lin Jiu and Zhang Zhiwei exchanged meaningful glances, both clearly puzzled by the same question. How could this foreign chef possibly know the specific nicknames and titles they were commonly called by in their respective worlds? The accuracy was too precise to be coincidental.
"This humble practitioner wonders how Master Gustave came to know our commonly used appellations?" Lin Jiu finally asked, his voice carrying deep curiosity and a hint of mystified wonder.
The question that had been bothering both Taoist masters needed to be addressed directly.
"You two gentlemen should have arrived through the mystical door located on the third floor, am I correct?" Gustave inquired with a knowing smile.
Both visitors nodded in confirmation, their expressions showing continued puzzlement.
"That particular door is known as the Gate of All Worlds, and it serves as a connection point between countless different universes and realities," Gustave explained patiently, settling into a comfortable position to share this crucial information. "Through various means, I have had the opportunity to observe people and events from many of these different worlds, including your own respective realms..."
Since the Moral Lord had come to their rescue and provided guidance, Gustave felt no need to conceal the truth when facing these new guests. He spoke openly and honestly about the nature of their interdimensional restaurant and its unique capabilities.
The two Taoist masters nodded continuously as they absorbed Gustave's explanation, their understanding growing with each word. Lin Jiu found the information somewhat familiar, as Chu Zihang had touched on similar concepts during their earlier conversation. Zhang Zhiwei, however, found the entire concept fascinating and refreshingly novel, his eyes sparkling with the curiosity of someone encountering truly extraordinary circumstances for the first time.
"So the Heavenly Master and I are not merely from different locations, but potentially from entirely different worlds, and perhaps even different historical eras altogether?" Lin Jiu asked, the pieces of the puzzle finally beginning to fall into place.
After listening carefully to Gustave's comprehensive explanation, Lin Jiu finally understood why the Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain, who should theoretically be of the same generation as himself, appeared so much older and more weathered by time. Of course, Lin Jiu was honest enough to admit that he might not be able to compare with the old Heavenly Master in terms of spiritual vigor and life force, as he could sense that Zhang Zhiwei possessed an remarkably robust and powerful aura.
"That's absolutely correct, Uncle Jiu," Gustave confirmed with a definitive nod.
His expression showed satisfaction at seeing the pieces come together for the Taoist master.
"Then this humble practitioner would be most curious to learn from which historical era the esteemed Heavenly Master originates?" Lin Jiu inquired, turning his attention to Zhang Zhiwei with genuine interest.
Now that the mystery had been solved, he was eager to understand the specific temporal distance between their respective worlds.
"I come from the year 2016 in my world's calendar. Might this humble practitioner inquire about the year from which Fellow Taoist Lin Jiu originates?" Zhang Zhiwei responded courteously, reciprocating the question with equal curiosity.
His tone remained respectful and interested, showing his own desire to understand the temporal gap between their experiences.
"The year 2016?" Lin Jiu repeated, clearly unfamiliar with this method of dating and calendar system.
The numbering system was completely foreign to his understanding, but since Zhang Zhiwei had answered his question directly, he felt obligated to provide his own temporal reference point.
"This humble practitioner comes from the fourth year of the Republic of China," he replied, using the dating system most familiar to his era and experience.
"The fourth year of the Republic of China... that would correspond to 1916 in the Western calendar system," Zhang Zhiwei calculated quickly, his mathematical mind working through the conversion. "It seems there is exactly one hundred years separating our respective time periods. Given this significant temporal gap, the formal gifts and ceremonies you offered earlier are truly impossible for me to accept in good conscience."
The revelation of the century-long gap put their earlier interaction in an entirely new perspective, making Zhang Zhiwei realize the inappropriateness of accepting such deference from someone who was technically from a much earlier era.
"In that case, perhaps the Heavenly Master and I should simply interact as equals from this point forward?" Lin Jiu suggested, a warm smile spreading across his weathered features.
The temporal revelation had indeed changed the dynamics of their relationship in ways that traditional hierarchical protocols couldn't adequately address.
"Let us simply address each other as equals and friends!" Zhang Zhiwei agreed heartily, his own face breaking into a genuine smile of mutual understanding and respect.
"Hahahaha!" Both Taoist masters looked at each other and burst into hearty, simultaneous laughter, the sound echoing warmly throughout the Bamboo Staff Bistro's main dining area.
The laughter was rich with genuine amusement, mutual respect, and the joy of newfound friendship that transcended the boundaries of time, space, and traditional hierarchies. It was the kind of laughter that spoke of shared understanding and the beginning of a meaningful connection between two souls who had found common ground despite their vastly different origins.