Since the old man before him was Yi Daozi's newly accepted disciple, Huan Yulang, who had already shown due courtesy, explained things in greater detail.
Once Huan Yulang finished and confirmed that Qi Zhongbin understood, he added another question.
"Might you take me to see your master, young friend Qi?"
Although Qi Zhongbin had met a deity once before, he had merely followed his master through the motions that time. He had not even needed to speak, and they had left after no more than a few exchanges. That encounter had been nowhere near as involved as this one.
But even though meeting a celestial god was certainly exciting, Qi Zhongbin did not dare make that decision himself.
"Honored god, it is not that I am unwilling to take you to my master. Rather, he is absorbed in comprehending the Dao, and I dare not disturb him!"
As Qi Zhongbin spoke, he glanced at Hui Mian inside his collar. Hui Mian had recovered by now. Since the visitor meant no harm and had come to establish good relations with the gentleman, he was no longer afraid.
After a moment's hesitation, Hui Mian emerged openly. He might well accompany the gentleman to grand occasions in the future; getting stage fright now would be embarrassing, especially in front of an obedient junior.
When the marten emerged, Huan Yulang turned his gaze toward him.
Some residents of Tea Province passed beside them, pushing carts, so all three remained silent for the moment. Once the people had gone, Hui Mian gave two affected coughs.
"Ahem, honored god of the Fire Department, young Qi is right. The gentleman is in seclusion. He certainly isn't deliberately refusing to see you. Perhaps you could wait a while? Or we could notify you once he comes out?"
*In