A gentle force supported Zhang Xiaohua, stopping him from bowing down.
"No need for such ceremony, Young Benefactor Ren. This old monk's quarters are far too plain; please forgive the lack of hospitality!" Master Changsheng's voice was exceptionally kind and pleasant to hear.
Zhang Xiaohua said sincerely, "To be fortunate enough to meet you, Master, is an immense blessing. How could I dare fuss over worldly things?"
"Hehe, good. Young Benefactor Ren may be young, but you handle people and affairs with the maturity of an old hand. No wonder you have earned your Cult Master's favor and were sent in place of a direct disciple to deliver the invitation!"
"Not at all..." Zhang Xiaohua said modestly. "It was only because I had a bit of strength that Cult Master sent me here."
"Oh?" Master Changsheng did not understand.
"Hehe, it was like this..." Master Chang Xing stepped forward and recounted the earlier events from beginning to end. When he finished, he explained, "Without the Abbot's permission, this poor monk acted on his own initiative. I beg the Abbot to punish me!"
"Hehe." The Abbot smiled and waved his hand. "Junior Brother, that is not quite right. All martial arts under heaven originate from Great Forest; the martial arts of our Great Forest Temple were meant for all under heaven to practice. Though Young Benefactor Ren is an Incense-Passing Cult disciple..."
Joy appeared on Zhang Xiaohua's face, only to turn to disappointment at once. Master Changsheng continued, "Naturally, our Great Forest Temple's secret Internal Energy Cultivation Methods cannot be given to him for practice. But ordinary... fist techniques, swordplay, and the like may be read without harm..."
Still, Zhang Xiaohua thanked him. At that moment, he wanted to bring up the matter of Dharma Swordplay early, but he feared arousing