Jing Jiu had just returned to Fruitful Accomplishment Temple when he came face-to-face with a familiar young monk. Compared with years ago, however, the monk's face was darker and more weathered.
The young monk was overjoyed to see Jing Jiu. He cried out, then instinctively clapped a hand tightly over his mouth, not daring to speak.
Jing Jiu had always been indifferent toward people and affairs, but for some reason, seeing this young monk made him rather happy. Perhaps this was affinity. He smiled and said, "We meet again."
The young monk grew even more excited when Jing Jiu greeted him first. He nodded furiously, not forgetting to hold his other hand upright in greeting. It was quite funny.
Seeing him like this, Jing Jiu asked in some surprise, "Still practicing Silence Meditation?"
The young monk froze before coming to his senses. Lowering his hand, he said sheepishly, "Force of habit. Force of habit."
Jing Jiu asked, "Where is your master?"
"My master went to the Snowfield with Grandmaster Uncle Du Hai," the young monk said.
Jing Jiu thought that the Zen Child had gone there, and now even the head of the Discipline Hall had gone to reinforce them. Presumably, something was stirring in the Snow Nation again, and it was no small matter.
But he asked nothing. He would not be going north anyway.
The young monk wanted to say more to him, but hearing the Bell Chime calling from outside the temple, he hurriedly said, "There's an epidemic in Yu Commandery. I have to go."
After running a few steps, he stopped again and turned back to ask, "How many days will you be staying at the temple?"
"A long time," Jing Jiu said.
The young monk was delighted. He bowed to Zhao Layue with a silly