The Ding Family Patriarch, Old Master Xun, and the Zhuo Family Patriarch saw that, apart from those close to them, almost no one echoed their sentiments, and their hearts sank.
Still, it was within their expectations. They showed little displeasure, and their expressions remained unchanged.
Old Master Xun pressed both hands down in the air, stilling the somewhat clamorous scene. His gaze shifted as he said,
"Master Pukong, you are a man of great virtue and prestige here in Lingwu City. Your Buddhist Dharma is profound, and your meditative attainments mysterious and unfathomable.
Might you have some ingenious plan to enlighten us?"
Master Pukong was no longer young. His snowy-white brows were long, drooping down at their ends. Yellow threads were embroidered across his red kasaya, making him particularly conspicuous.
At this, he pressed his palms together and slowly said,
"Amitabha. Benefactor Xun overpraises this old monk. I am advanced in years, and in recent years, I have found my strength unequal to my wishes. All temple affairs are managed by my junior brother on my behalf. I truly dare not speak rashly."
The Ding Family Patriarch sneered, silently cursing the old bald donkey for his cunning, then turned to Fu Yangzi beside Master Pukong.
This Daoist was much younger than Master Pukong. He wore a Taiji Daoist robe, held a whisk, and had a lean, slender frame.
Judging by his aura, he seemed to drift like an immortal, suffused with Daoist energy. His cultivation was exceedingly refined.
The Nine Revolutions of Soft Water True Gang passed down from True Martial Temple was infinitely profound and had grasped the true essence of Daoist qigong.
"Daoist Fu Yangzi, since Master Pukong has declined, it would be inconvenient for us to say more. You are a true Daoist cultivator and have been