The Charismatic Charlie Wade

With a graceful gesture, Renard left the others standing outside the concealed chamber and entered it alongside Gideon.
As Gideon stepped into the hidden sanctuary, his guide, Renard, suddenly halted and bowed before him, addressing him as
“Master Gideon.” It was an unexpected and marvelous sight to behold after all these years. Gideon’s presence filled him with
delight, recognizing the magnitude of the person before him.
With a warm smile, Gideon extended his hand to help Renard rise. “Although you are not my direct student, you were nurtured
by my younger colleague and regarded him as your esteemed mentor. In my eyes, you are no different from my personal
disciple.”
Renard was overcome with excitement and respectfully inquired, “Master, where have you been all these years? Why didn’t you
return here to pay a visit?”
Gideon countered, “Am I not already back?”
“Yes...” Renard nodded eagerly and asked again, “By the way, Master, you...”
“What have you experienced during these years? I wonder if you can share your captivating stories with me!” Gideon interrupted,
a playful gleam in his eyes.
Gideon chuckled and remarked, “Can seventy years of life experiences be summarized in just a few words?”
Seeing Renard’s disappointed expression, he decided to elaborate further. “But don’t be disheartened, my friend. The truth is, I
have indeed discovered the secret to everlasting life.”
In an instant, Renard’s excitement surged and he hastily inquired, “Master... have you Mastered Reiki?”
“Indeed,” Gideon replied, his tone sincere. “For our generation, cultivating reiki is a preliminary victory. Without it, we cannot
escape the clutches of life’s challenges, aging, sickness and death. Although I possess reiki now, I am not immortal. Yet, my
lifespan surpasses that of ordinary individuals.”
Tentatively, Renard asked, “Master, are you perhaps over one hundred and fifty years old?”
Gideon nodded and sighed, “I am already one hundred and fifty-six years old. I am old indeed. One hundred and fifty-six
years...”
Renard expressed yearningly, “You don’t even look fifty-six years old...”

Gideon casually responded, “That’s what happens when one masters reiki. Living into the twenty-second century would be the
pinnacle of achievement, having already witnessed the unprecedented advancements of the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-
first centuries. It would bring me immense satisfaction to reach such a remarkable era, having personally witnessed history
unfold and progress in its wake. That day, when it comes, will be the ultimate reward, pleasure and fulfillment. I long for it.”
Stunned, Renard knelt down once more, bowing his head heavily and pleaded, “Master Gideon, please teach me the path to
longevity. If you agree, I am willing to devote my life to serving you. Without any hesitation and even in the face of danger!.”
Renard had immersed himself in Daoism for over seventy years, yet he found himself in the same state as when Gideon had left
Evercloud Temple. Despite dedicating his days to the practice of Taoism and elixirs, he struggled to uncover the secret to a
prolonged existence. He had devoted all his efforts to finding the path’s elusive starting point, but it remained an unsolved
mystery. Now, at over seventy years old, he had resigned himself to his fate, never expecting to encounter his old acquaintance
again. Yet, this reunion reignited his yearning for longevity.
Gideon gazed at Renard and sighed deeply before speaking earnestly, “I returned here after so many years with one purpose to
find you and the disciples of Evercloud Temple. Together, let us share the knowledge I have gained over the years!”
Renard’s body trembled with excitement as he looked up at Gideon, his voice choked with emotion. “Master, are you truly willing
to bestow upon your disciples the knowledge of longevity?”
Gideon nodded and with a smile, he said, “I have pondered this for years. Evercloud Temple has shown me great kindness.
Naturally, I hope it will endure forever. And you, Renard, were raised by my junior brother. I hope that you can embark on a
journey of a long and fulfilling life alongside me. Together, we shall explore the wonders of the future and strive for personal
growth. Having a companion who shares my aspirations, keeping me company on this path, would be invaluable.”
Overflowing with excitement, Renard wasted no time. As he knelt down, he performed three resounding kowtows,
enthusiastically proclaiming, “Master, I pledge to be your disciple and promise to overcome any challenge that comes my way!”
Gideon’s smile widened as he helped Renard up. “On this return, I envisioned a future where I could stay at Evercloud Temple.
During that time, you will retreat with me for five years and I promise to teach you the art of harnessing reiki.”
Renard’s joy knew no bounds as he exclaimed, “I am eternally grateful to Master Gideon for your immense kindness!”
Gideon made a composed gesture with his hand. “But you mustn’t rush now, for I am unable to do so at the moment. Cast aside
all other matters and return to Evercloud Temple to meditate. Wait for me there and once I have completed my task, I shall come

back to you.”
In a hurry, Renard asked, “Master Gideon, may I inquire when you will finish this task?”
After a brief pause, Gideon responded, “It’s uncertain when it will happen. It could occur sometime in the next year, or it may take
a decade or even more if things don’t go according to my plans.”
Renard was stunned, almost desperate, as he pleaded, “Master, how can this disciple wait for ten years...”
Gideon let out a heavy sigh, feeling utterly helpless. “Ah, Renard, I am bound by circumstances. The reason I have Mastered
Reiki is all thanks to a noble individual’s assistance. I have been away these years because I have remained in that nobleman’s
service. Just as you promised to me, I too pledged to him long ago. He imparted his wisdom to me and now he has tasked me
with finding a woman and a token in her possession here in China. If I can succeed, I shall attain my freedom. If I fail, I will
continue my search.”
With a tinge of regret, Gideon added, “Oh, and I cannot stay in Eastcliff for long. I must depart for the south in a few days. Rest
assured, I shall bring you good news in due time.”
Renard pondered the situation. Waiting could mean decades, perhaps even a lifetime and he couldn’t bear such passivity in the
face of death. Urgently, he implored Gideon, “Master, who are you looking for? Tell this disciple and I will mobilize every
connection, even if I have to dig three feet into the ground, to find her!”