"Hehe..." Xiao Hua laughed. People came in a hundred forms, and monks in a hundred guises as well. The Pure Land was nothing more than this.
Perhaps the old monk's lantern had drawn the other monks' attention. They immediately sat upright, their chanting growing louder, while the rhythmic clatter of wooden fish rang out as well.
Yet Old Monk Yongzhong seemed not to see them at all. He ignored them completely, crossed the main hall, and headed toward the rear courtyard. Just as he was about to pass through the courtyard gate, a tall monk came out from the back. This monk had thick brows and large eyes, and he looked exceptionally imposing.
"Master Ancestor, who is this?" The monk approached them. When he saw Xiao Hua, he frowned slightly and asked Old Monk Yongzhong.
"Oh, Miao Fa, this is a young monk who has come to Golden Mountain Temple to lodge..." Old Monk Yongzhong glanced up at him and answered listlessly.
"Master Ancestor, I am Miaochen!" Upon hearing that he was merely a young monk seeking lodging, the monk paid him no further heed. He answered absently and turned to leave.
Xiao Hua did not dare delay. He hurriedly pulled free, pressed his palms together, and said, "Amitabha. This little monk is Tipu. Greetings, Master Ancestor Miaochen!"
"Mhm." Miaochen nodded slightly and smiled. "Hurry along. There is not much vegetarian food left. If you do not go now, there will be nothing for you to eat!"
"No need!" Xiao Hua hurriedly said. "This little monk came to pay a visit to Great Chan Master Ji Mie."
"Oh?" Miaochen froze. He released his Buddhist sense and swept it over Xiao Hua. He opened his mouth as though to say something, but in the end, it became a sigh. "Alas, young