Although he had already exchanged greetings with Dao Shan and the others outside Qiyang Temple, Xiao Hua still followed the so-called Daoist etiquette and greeted them once more. When the formalities were over, Dao Shan's smile deepened. He walked to the altar table, placed the jade tablet upon it, then picked up three long incense sticks and said with a smile, "Senior Xiao, please offer incense to the Dao Ancestor!"
"Certainly!" Xiao Hua took them and flicked his hand. A wisp of fire flashed, and the three incense sticks were immediately lit, drawing strange looks into the eyes of the dozen or so disciples nearby.
After Xiao Hua respectfully placed the incense sticks into the censer, Dao Shan visibly let out a breath of relief. Raising his hand, he said, "Many thanks, Senior Xiao. Please, please come to the side hall for tea!"
As he spoke, the Daoist boys holding flutes and other instruments began to play once more. Led by Dao Shan, Xiao Hua passed through a yellow curtain and arrived at the side hall. There was a yellow prayer cushion here, as well as several tables and chairs. Yet when they reached the chairs, Dao Shan did not sit down at once. Instead, he lightly closed his eyes, leaving Xiao Hua somewhat puzzled. Xiao Jian looked equally confused, but the two could only follow suit. Only when the sound of strings and pipes drifted into the night sky did Dao Shan open his eyes and raise his hand with a smile. "Senior, Fellow Daoist, please sit!"
"Please, Fellow Daoist." Xiao Hua smiled and sat down. Then Xiao Jian and Dao Shan took their seats as well, while Liu Yi and Yuan Ya obediently stood behind them. A delicate-looking Daoist boy hurried over carrying a somewhat chipped tray, upon