Zhang Xiaohua, Meng, and Chen Yang arrived atop the high platform. Chen Yang wore a funeral face as he walked before Bai Yanqiu, admitting with utmost sincerity that he had truly learned today the grave consequences of disaster issuing from the mouth. Then he stood with his hands hanging at his sides, quietly awaiting those consequences!
Abbess Jingyi beamed as she asked gently, "Zixia, Ren Xiaoyao, why have you returned so late? Great Forest Temple's honored guests have already arrived, and the Martial Arts Gathering is about to end, yet only now have you returned to Huaiyu Peak?"
Zhang Xiaohua looked at Meng, then cast a sidelong glance at Bai Yanqiu. "After this disciple and Senior Sister Zixia left Great Forest Temple, we saw that it was still early, so we conveniently handled a few personal matters along the way. But just as this disciple was preparing to return to the Incense-Passing Cult, I ran into Sect Leader Bai's subordinates. They insisted on inviting this disciple to Shuiyunjian. This disciple wished to return and report to the Cult Master, but dozens of Shuiyunjian disciples invited us so earnestly that it would not have done not to go!"
Abbess Jingyi finally understood why Zhang Xiaohua, usually so mild-mannered, had become so aggressive the moment he entered Huaiyu Palace. She could not help sneering at Bai Yanqiu. "Sect Leader Bai, if you invite another sect's Protector disciple, then your etiquette should be thorough and your sincerity genuine. For dozens of people to forcefully invite him—would that not be inappropriate?"
Bai Yanqiu smiled. "It was precisely because we wished to be thorough in etiquette and show sincerity that we sent dozens of people. Such face is something only the Incense-Passing Cult can enjoy!"
Zhang Xiaohua said again, "Shuiyunjian's water island was indeed quite