"Welcome Dean Zhu and Mister Tai'an to our Little Gold Temple for the Immortal-Buddha Grand Ceremony!" Zen Master Mingyue landed upon the arena platform, looking thoroughly poised and dignified as he bowed to Zhu Junfeng and Mister Tai'an.
"Greetings, Zen Master Mingyue..." Zhu Junfeng and Mister Tai'an naturally returned the salute.
Zen Master Mingyue glanced at Xingchen and Mo Jianli, who were still conversing in midair, then turned toward the crowd below the platform with a smile. "It is only a pity that our Little Gold Temple has few people and little strength, and this is also our first time hosting such a grand Immortal-Buddha Grand Ceremony. We simply cannot compare to Changsheng Academy! Though those benefactors who attended the ceremony at Changsheng Academy ten years ago may not say so aloud, they must surely be muttering in their hearts about how stingy our Little Gold Temple is, mustn't they?"
Boom... A small burst of laughter arose below the platform. Everyone wore kindly smiles; none of them gave much thought to any rivalry between Confucian cultivators and the Buddhist sects.
"Though our Little Gold Temple may not have done well today, with Changsheng Academy's assistance, I believe we will do better and better!" Zen Master Mingyue continued. "In ten years, twenty years, or even fifty years, our Little Gold Temple will certainly give all of you benefactors a perfect Immortal-Buddha Grand Ceremony!"
Clap, clap... Another round of applause naturally rose from below the platform. Zhu Junfeng did not mind Zen Master Mingyue's needle-for-needle words in the slightest. He too raised his hands in applause, a warm smile upon his face.
"Of course, the Immortal-Buddha Grand Ceremony exists precisely to commemorate the friendship between us Confucian cultivators and Buddhist sects! This friendship has been tested through bloody battles against our enemies!