Ye Chen returned to Tang Sanzang's side and waited for a response from inside the temple. Before long, the gates of Guanyin Temple opened again, and an old abbot emerged, surrounded by monks.
"Amitabha. Might you be Master Sanzang, come from Chang'an City?" Seeing Tang Sanzang, the old abbot bowed respectfully. Tang Sanzang had come out of meditation by then, and he hurriedly dismounted to answer him.
After exchanging a few words, the old abbot invited the three travelers and their horse inside the temple. He told his disciples to feed the horse well, then led Ye Chen, Sun Wukong, and Tang Sanzang into Guanyin Temple's main hall.
"How does my Guanyin Temple compare with the temples in Chang'an City?" As soon as everyone sat down, the old abbot asked a question that left Tang Sanzang unsure how to answer.
"Abbot, your Guanyin Temple is magnificent and imposing. Compared with your temple, the ones in Chang'an City are like fireflies trying to outshine the bright moon. They simply can't compare."
Ye Chen smiled and answered the old abbot for Tang Sanzang. As soon as he finished, delight appeared on the old abbot's face. "Amitabha. Bring my tea set and serve tea to Master Sanzang and his two disciples."
One of the abbot's monks acknowledged the order and left the main hall. Before long, he returned with a set of fine teaware.
Ye Chen glanced at the teaware. Though it was indeed valuable, it was nowhere near as fine as the tea set he had seen in the imperial palace, the one used by the emperor himself.
But Ye Chen didn't let on. He smiled at the teaware the monk had brought over, his eyes full of admiration and envy.
The abbot noticed Ye Chen's reaction and grew even happier. Ye