Chapter 970: Chapter 970: Master Qu Lin Visits
Bai Changfeng said helplessly, “Abbot, this…”
“Since your master has many inconveniences, I won’t keep him as a guest. Let him return early to rest well.”
Jiangli directly interrupted Bai Changfeng, clearly unwilling to hear him make more excuses for Master Qu Lin.
After speaking, she turned and headed towards the meditation room in the backyard.
Seeing this, Bai Changfeng was a bit anxious and was just about to speak.
A deep and elderly voice echoed in the courtyard.
“Qu Lin is old and his legs are weak, unable to personally greet the Abbot. It’s Qu Lin’s fault, and I hope the Abbot won’t mind.”
Jiangli paused mid-step and glanced over, seeing two people coming out from the side hall, one after the other.
Both of them were quite old.
The one in front was even older.
The one behind, however, was a familiar face.
It was none other than Uncle Pei Jiu from B City.
The one in front was naturally the current president of the Xuanmen Association, Master Qu Lin.
Master Qu Lin had a respectable appearance, with a somewhat immortal demeanor. He looked amiable, with a broad face, round and square, kind-looking eyebrows, and eyes that gave him a slight Buddhist appearance.
Meeting Jiangli’s gaze, he walked over with a smile and clasped his hands in salute to Jiangli, “You must be the Abbot. I’ve heard Pei Liang speak of you often, about your astonishing talent. Seeing you now, it is indeed true. I was unable to greet you promptly earlier; it was my fault, and I hope the Abbot will be generous enough to forgive.”
After speaking, he bowed and saluted Jiangli.
Courteously.
If Jiangli held onto this issue any longer, it would seem inappropriate. She calmly said, “I wonder if Master Qu Lin came today for something important?”
Master Qu Lin released his hands and smiled kindly, “Indeed, there is a significant matter I wish to discuss with the Abbot. I wonder if the Abbot could spare a moment to speak privately?”
Hearing this, Jiangli gave him a glance and instructed Xia Xin and Fu’er, “Xia Xin, go prepare the food. Fu’er, take Master Wu to the backyard and find an empty meditation room for him to rest temporarily.”
Xia Xin and Fu’er were both somewhat impressed with Jiangli. At this point, she was still mindful of such matters.
Yet neither of them refused, and they went about their tasks.
Then Jiangli said to Master Qu Lin, “Let’s talk in the side hall.”
Master Qu Lin immediately gestured, “Abbot, after you.”
Jiangli didn’t stand on ceremony and stepped directly into the side hall.
Seeing her lack of formality, Uncle Pei Jiu, also known as Pei Liang, didn’t look too pleased.
He opened his mouth, just about to say something.
Bai Changfeng, understanding the situation, quickly said, “Uncle Pei Jiu, don’t say anything. We came uninvited, which is not according to protocol. The Abbot never bothers about such trivialities. Let’s not overthink it; let’s go inside first.”
Uncle Pei Jiu’s words were stuck in his throat, and his face fell immediately.
Master Qu Lin stroked his beard, smiling all along, without saying a word, and walked inside.
Seeing this, Uncle Pei Jiu could only swallow his dissatisfaction and enter the side hall with Bai Changfeng.
Jiangli was already seated at the main position, pouring herself a cup of tea, sipping leisurely. Seeing them enter, she said without looking up, “Sit as you please. At Jiaoyang Temple, we don’t adhere to strict protocol, and I personally dislike those customary rituals, so I won’t entertain you formally. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Uncle Pei Jiu’s elongated face twitched, realizing that Jiangli must have overheard Bai Changfeng’s words at the door earlier.
Jiangli’s words were clearly a jab at them.
Uncle Pei Jiu darkened his expression. Seeing Master Qu Lin remain silent, he swallowed his words.