The old man looked at Ji Yuan, overwhelmed with emotion for quite a while. Only when Ji Yuan spoke did it seem as though he finally loosened that taut string, answering in a voice that still trembled with excitement.
"Yes, yes! For Yi Shun to see you again, sir, is all karmic opportunity! Back then, I presumptuously asked you for calligraphy, and receiving your gift was a blessing for my Yi Family! Ah, right—sir, please come inside, please!"
Though Yi Shun was already over ninety, his mind had always remained clear. Comparing the circumstances of meeting this gentleman now with those from back then, he knew Ji Yuan probably did not want others exposing his identity as an immortal. Thus, Yi Shun merely showed sufficient respect instead of shouting "Immortal Master" and dropping to his knees in worship.
Yi Sheng's heart jolted. Seeing his father's reaction, he knew his earlier guess had been right. He hurriedly echoed his father's invitation, asking Ji Yuan to enter the shop.
Meeting at this very moment, Ji Yuan felt that he and the Yi Family truly had a measure of karmic opportunity. He did not refuse and directly followed the Yi father and son into the shop. The waiters and customers inside all looked curiously toward the entrance, wondering who this person was whom the owner of the shop was receiving with such solemnity.
Everyone assumed the visitor must be some erudite master. Great Zhen now placed great importance on learned men, and if a Great Sage had truly arrived, such treatment would hardly have been excessive.
"Elder Yi, who is this gentleman?"
A customer who had been selecting inkstones in the shop asked the question, and the old man looked at Ji Yuan.
"May I ask how I should address you, sir?"
Ji