The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Master Vail was at a loss for words when Serena pressed him with her questioning.
He couldn’t bring himself to tell his prized disciple that he planned on staying in Aurous Hill and following Charlie’s lead.
Instead, he offered, “Serena, after teaching in the Mystic Harmony Sect for so many years, I feel as though I have given my all.
Now that I am getting on in years, I simply want to relax.
Besides, Aurous Hills boasts such breathtaking scenery and agreeable weather.
It suits my fancy, so I intend to stay awhile and see if I can make a breakthrough in my cultivation.”
Serena’s brow furrowed as she asked, “But Master, for more than half of the time I’ve known you, you’ve been in seclusion.
Even when Mrs.
Evans invited you out of the mountain, you told me that you would return to seclusion after saving her family.
But then you didn’t say anything when you asked me to come to Aurous Hills...”
“Why, all of a sudden, do you want to relinquish your position as head and settle down here?”
Master Vail could only offer, “Serena, when one stays in one place for too long, their heart can grow complacent.
I simply desire a change of scenery to see what new possibilities await me in this new environment.”
Serena gazed at Master Vail and then turned to Charlie Wade, who was seated beside him.
She couldn’t resist asking, “Master, even if what you’re saying is true, why would you choose to pass the position to me in this
way? According to the customs of the Mystic Harmony Sect, the ceremony for passing the throne must be held in the presence
of the other senior brothers.”
Master Vail waved his hand dismissively and replied, “Oh, those are just trivial formalities.
As long as I pass the seat to you, the others will naturally respect you as the new head, regardless of whether they’re present or
not.”
Serena’s dissatisfaction was palpable.

“Master, as the head of the Mystic Harmony Sect, it’s important to honor our traditions.
You can’t simply brush them aside.
Besides, choosing a hotel room as the venue for the ceremony seems a bit too casual, doesn’t it? I’ve never heard of any sect
holding their head-passing ceremony in such a manner.”
Master Vail’s expression faltered as he realized the inappropriateness of holding the head-passing ceremony in a hotel room.
He begrudgingly admitted, “I know it’s not ideal to hold the ceremony in a hotel, but the matter isn’t significant enough to mobilize
all the teachers.
It’s not feasible to ask the disciples of the Mystic Harmony Sect to travel thousands of miles just to witness the ceremony, is it?”
Serena’s aggression only intensified at his feeble excuse.
“Master, how can you do this to everyone? Why don’t you just go back to the United States? If you must stay in Aurous Hills,
then out of respect for the Mystic Harmony Sect, you should take a few days to go back and conduct the ceremony properly
before returning.”
Master Vail was left speechless by Serena’s pointed words.
He couldn’t deny that he was guilty of neglecting the rules of the sect.
He had called Serena to Aurous Hills to pass on the head position in a hotel room only to show Charlie his willingness to cater to
him.
It was a move to gain favor with Charlie at the cost of tradition.
Serena noticed Master Vail’s hesitation and slyly glanced at Charlie before speaking up.
“Master, you just said that passing on the seat to me is the only thing that matters.
It doesn’t require anyone else’s presence, so I’m curious as to why you invited Mr. Wade here.
He can’t be that important, can he?”
Master Vail was visibly embarrassed and coughed nervously.

“Serena, I invited Mr. Wade here because we have a close relationship, and he’s currently in Aurous Hills...”
Serena remained unconvinced and retorted, “Master, since I arrived, I’ve noticed how much you respect Mr. Wade.
Combined with this matter, I can’t help but think that the reason why you called me to Aurous Hills and plan to pass on the throne
here is to show off in front of Mr. Wade, isn’t it?”
Master Vail was caught off guard by Serena’s perceptiveness, and his face turned red with embarrassment.
“Serena, let me speak to you as your teacher.
I’ve dedicated most of my life to the Mystic Harmony Sect, and now I want to focus on being a teacher...”
“If you still consider me your teacher and Master, then please don’t press the issue any further.
After I pass on the head position to you, I will stay in Aurous Hills to practice, and you can go back to the United States to
continue spreading the Great Harmonious Unity.
Is that enough?”
Serena saw the determination in Master Vail’s eyes and sighed.
“Fine.
Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t try to persuade you any further.
But there’s something I need to tell you.”
Master Vail urged her to continue.
“Go on, Serena.”
Serena replied, “I’m still young and inexperienced, and I may not have the ability to carry on the legacy of the Mystic Harmony
Sect.
So, I can only temporarily take on the role of head.
If you ever change your mind, Master, I will gladly return the position to you.”

Master Vail waved his hand dismissively.
“No need, Serena.
You will be the head...”
Serena replied with unwavering determination, “Master, the decision is yours to make.
I am only expressing my thoughts.”
She didn’t waste any more time with small talk and urged, “Let’s not delay any longer, Master.
Shall we begin the ceremony now?”
Master Vail was relieved and hastily retrieved the prepared incense sticks and censer. He lit six sticks of incense and handed
three to Serena.
Then, he faced the north and spoke with great reverence.
“The ancestors of the Mystic Harmony Sect are above, and I, Master Vail, as the thirty-ninth generation Master, formally pass on
the position of Master to my personal disciple Serena...”
“From this moment on, Serena will be the fortieth generation head of the Mystic Harmony Sect.
I implore the patriarchs of the Mystic Harmony Sect to bless Serena and the Mystic Harmony Sect.”
Master Vail lifted three incense sticks above his head and offered his worship.
Then, he turned to Serena and proceeded to dictate a set of requirements for the head of the Mystic Harmony Sect.
Once the formalities were complete, Master Vail took out a token from his waist and handed it over to Serena.
“Serena, this token represents the head of the Mystic Harmony Sect.
Keep it safe, and as long as you hold it, you are the rightful head of the sect.”
Serena accepted the token with both hands and nodded in gratitude.
Master Vail then produced a sheet of calligraphy and presented it to Serena.

“This is the complete version of the ‘Great Way of Harmonious Unity’ that has been passed down for thousands of years.
You have yet to study some of its contents, but you must memorize every word of it and never forget any of it.”
Serena took the paper, unfolded it, and held it.
“I understand, Master.
I will memorize it all.”
Master Vail let out a long sigh and addressed Serena with great respect.
“Serena, from this moment forward, you are the 40th head of the Mystic Harmony Sect.
All matters of the sect will be under your guidance.
You can prepare to return to the United States now.
If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to me.
I will do my utmost to help you.”
Serena nodded in acknowledgement and then posed a question to Master Vail.
“Master, the previous head of the sect entrusted a medicinal cauldron to you.
Where is it now?”