"Old Hui Xian, what are you doing?"
Bai Yujun saw Old Hui Xian packing his bags: a broken bamboo staff, a straw hat, straw sandals, an old coarse-cloth monk's robe covered in patches, and an old wooden fish polished bright with years of use. Little Stone was sorting a book chest and packing odds and ends, while the Snake Demon Boy silently wiped down the Ring-pommel Saber. They looked ready for a long journey.
The Snake Demon Boy rose and bowed in greeting, while Little Stone was overjoyed.
"Boss Bai is here~! It's been so many years! Monkey Brother said if you didn't come soon, he was going to look for you."
A certain Bai smiled at that.
That monkey was loyal enough, but his mouth was simply too vicious...
The kind-faced Old Hui Xian smiled awkwardly, putting away his worn wooden alms bowl with a chipped edge. He curled his rough, hairy big toe, which stuck out from his straw sandal. No one could live without face—it was human nature. If one made too much of being broad-minded, it would instead seem beneath them.
"Good, good. It has been centuries since we last met, Benefactor Bai. Do you still remember the fragrance of Bamboo Spring Rough Tea?"
"Of course I do. I just woke up and came over to beg for a sip of tea. What, are you heading out to earn money?"
"Uh..."
The thought of earning money to repair the temple made his old face flush with embarrassment.
Ever since the Carpenter Monkey had come to Bamboo Spring Temple, he no longer needed to roam about begging for alms. The monkey was skilled and only ate grass.
"This poor monk wishes to go down the mountain and wander awhile. Of course, earning money would be even better."