"Brother Shen, this Master Jiangliu refuses to go to Chang'an. What should we do now? And this man has a violent temperament, crude speech, and indulges in pleasure. No matter how one looks at him, he does not seem like an enlightened eminent monk. Master and State Preceptor Yuan were likely misled by rumors. Even if we invited someone like this to Chang'an, what use would he be?" As soon as Elder Zheshi left, Lu Huaming snorted coldly.
"That Jiangliu truly did not seem like an eminent monk just now. We will observe carefully during the Dharma assembly later. If he is merely a fraud deceiving the world for fame, we will return to Chang'an and ask the Duke and State Preceptor Yuan to find another candidate." Shen Luo also had his doubts about Master Jiang Liu.
Lu Huaming nodded. The two sat cross-legged in the room and waited quietly.
Noon soon arrived. A distant bell rang out, tolling three times in succession.
Shen Luo and Lu Huaming immediately rose and headed to the plaza near Golden Mountain Temple's gate.
The plaza was now packed with worshippers, all gazing devoutly toward a white jade platform at its far end. It was covered by a precious canopy—the very one Shen Luo had delivered.
Shen Luo suddenly sensed someone watching them. He turned and saw several purple-robed warrior monks standing outside the crowd not far away, glaring at them with unfriendly expressions. Huiming was among them.
"It's those people from before." Lu Huaming noticed them as well and snorted.
"That is only natural. We are two unfamiliar cultivators appearing in the temple; it is normal for them to be wary. Sit down. We will see shortly whether Master Jiangliu truly has any ability." Shen Luo smiled and found a place to sit.