"Thanks to the intervention of you immortal masters, my son was able to return safely to the palace. I have come especially to express my gratitude." Jiao Lianmi led his son forward by the hand, took the initiative to perform a hand-over-heart salute, and spoke.
When Shen Luo and the others saw this, they immediately returned the salute.
Only the madman Zhanguo, upon seeing the king's attire, raised a hand to point at the crown atop his head and burst into loud, crazed laughter.
The guards nearby moved to seize him, but Jiao Lianmi stopped them all with a shout.
Naturally, he had long known Zhanguo's origins and did not hold it against him. Instead, he asked, "I heard that you immortal masters came from the Eastern Land of Great Tang? I was truly remiss before. I hope you will forgive me."
"Your Majesty need not say so. Since entering the city, we have been brought to the guesthouse to rest, and we have been treated quite well during our stay. How could there have been any neglect? We are deeply grateful as well," Bai Xiaotian said with cupped hands.
"May I ask, immortal masters, what sort of demon was causing trouble before? How did you rescue my son? Has that villain been put to death? If not, with Zen Master Lin Da here, he will certainly be able to subdue it," Jiao Lianmi asked.
As he spoke, he shifted slightly aside. Zen Master Lin Da, who stood behind him, immediately stepped half a pace forward and pressed his palms together in salute toward Shen Luo and the others.
"It was merely an ordinary sand demon, and it has already been slain. There is no need to trouble the Zen master further," Shen Luo said, returning the salute.
"That is