After a moment, Ding Songyan finally caught on:
So those words weren't meant just for Senior Sister and me. Other fellow martial artists got them too.
What a wide net he cast!
Zheng Zhuxi looked dazed. She had never imagined things could work this way.
She felt she had learned something new again.
After Xing Chang of the Headless People, the two saw Xie Fengchao, newly arrived in Dingjiang Prefecture, stop by Dangkang Temple to offer incense. Temple Host Zhu went up to greet him as well, speaking of blessings and destined fortune as he asked for help.
Zheng Zhuxi went numb. Turning to Ding Songyan, she found that her junior brother was actually smiling.
"You don't mind?" Zheng Zhuxi felt an inexplicable hurt and grievance, as though she had been swindled.
Ding Songyan gave a soft laugh.
"When it was that fellow from the Headless People just now, I minded a little. After this second time, though, I actually understand. Temple Host Zhu really is spending the blessings he has accumulated, continually selecting people who can help him. Look, none of the people he chose are ordinary folk."
You're certainly good at praising yourself... The thought popped into Zheng Zhuxi's mind unbidden.
Ding Songyan continued:
"Xie Fengchao cuts a splendid figure, and one glance at Xing Chang of the Headless People tells you he's extraordinary. Choosing them could still be put down to skill at judging people. But coming to an unremarkable Xiaoming Sect disciple like me must be a choice made by spending blessings. Unless Elder Zhu cast his net with you in mind, Senior Sister? I may be inconspicuous, but you certainly draw the eye."
"You really do lay it on thick." Zheng Zhuxi rolled her eyes at Ding Songyan, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.