The Golden Buddha Manifests

Before long, the monk hurried back with a group of people behind him.

At their head was an elderly monk in a red kasaya. He looked to be in his sixties, with a kindly face and an open, relaxed expression.

Seven or eight monks followed him, each respectful in bearing, their steps in unison.

The elderly monk approached Yang Xiao, pressed his palms together, and bowed slightly.

"I am Huiming, abbot of Golden Buddha Temple. Greetings, honored guests."

His voice was warm and mellow, with a cadence that put people at ease.

Yang Xiao studied Huiming.

The man wore a red kasaya and had a kindly face and a peaceful air. He did look something like an eminent monk.

"Abbot Huiming."

"I am Yang Xiao, a Deputy General of the Qingzhou Demon Suppression Division. I was passing through Cloud Fir Commandery and came to pay you a visit." Yang Xiao cupped his fists in return.

A flicker of surprise crossed Huiming's eyes.

A Deputy General of the Demon Suppression Division?

"So it is Deputy General Yang. Forgive me for not coming out to greet you sooner." Huiming grew wary, but betrayed nothing on his face. He merely smiled.

"May I ask what brings Deputy General Yang here?"

Yang Xiao glanced at Huiming, then changed tack.

"I've heard that Golden Buddha Temple has earned quite a reputation in recent years for praying for the people of Cloud Fir Commandery and warding off misfortune."

"As I was passing through, I came up the mountain to pay a visit. I wanted to offer incense and pray for blessings in person, and to thank Golden Buddha Temple for its efforts on behalf of those struck by disaster."

Huiming was taken aback.

He had thought the Demon Suppression Division had come looking for trouble. Who