Seeing Ge Junma's corpse, He Caiyuan's body trembled.
The Peddler laughed. "Are you upset? Your master is dead. Do you especially want to kowtow? You can do it; I'll let you pass."
Tears streamed down from the corners of He Caiyuan's eyes; he was truly heartbroken.
After a moment's hesitation, he did not kowtow. Instead, heaving a long sigh, he said, "Lord Ge's grace to this old one was as immense as a mountain. Now that he's gone like this, it leaves me in agony, as if a knife were twisting in my gut!"
The Peddler sighed. "Such loyalty is rare. I should have let you see him one more time. But it's not too late. That toad doesn't move quickly. If you set off right now, you can still catch up with him on the Yellow Springs Road."
He Caiyuan wiped away his tears and shook his head. "With the gentleman gone, this old one has no more worldly concerns. From now on, I am willing to follow you, Your Excellency, at your beck and call, ready to serve."
