Lu Ji was so tall that he could barely squeeze into the room by turning sideways.
Behind him followed someone Chen Sanshi had never seen before.
He was presumably Third Senior Brother.
"Eldest Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother."
Chen Sanshi rose to greet them.
"Junior Brother, the gathering was arranged in haste, so I didn't have time to prepare much."
Lu Ji removed the case from his back.
The case was enormous, yet compared to his build, it looked exceptionally delicate.
When he opened it, there was a great bow inside.
Yet the bow stave was not made of wood. It was an Iron-Tire Bow, apparently forged from black iron, and clearly worth a fortune.
"I heard Junior Brother liked archery, so I got hold of an Iron-Tire Bow."
Lu Ji said apologetically, "But time was too short, and I couldn't find a bowstring. If you can find a suitable string for it, this will be a Hundred Stone Bow. I hope Junior Brother won't find it beneath him."
"I brought some arrows."
Third Senior Brother Nie Yuan took out an arrow quiver. "The arrowheads are black iron, so they're rather shabby. If Junior Brother wants anything else, just say the word, and I'll get it for you."
"You two Senior Brothers are being too generous. These are both such precious gifts—how could I fail to appreciate your kindness?"
Chen Sanshi maintained impeccable courtesy and invited them all to take their seats.
"Now that's more like it!"
Meng Guangxin said with satisfaction, "Eldest Brother, you've become more and more outrageous over the years."
Seventh Brother Ye Fengxiu remained silent.
"Oh? Monk, is that any way to speak to Eldest Senior Brother?"
Rong Yanqiu said in a strange, mocking tone, "Eldest Brother has been to the capital, after all. Perhaps he's