Book 5 Chapter 6 – Grandpa’s Tales

　　"But…" Li Yiming glanced at Eyegla.s.ses. He knew from the way he spoke that the old man was no ordinary person.

　　"Well… I don't really know how to put it. You'll see for yourself soon enough." Eyegla.s.ses shook his hands and pushed his Shadowless stone pendant back beneath his collar.

　　However, Eyegla.s.ses only piqued Li Yiming's curiosity even more. Fortunately, it was not long before Li Yiming was given an answer; the chanting in the hall had ceased, and an old man wearing a blue Dao robe appeared at the entrance. He seemed no different from any other old man, with a face wizened by wrinkles, the skin on his eyelids loosely hanging from his eyes, and his silvery hair tied up into a braid above his head. His eyes were foggy, and it seemed like he was half-blind.

　　'That's… it?'

　　"I've made you wait." The old man saluted the group with a bow. He spoke softly, but somehow his voice rung out loud and clear in everyone's ears.

　　"We're sorry to disturb you, Master Qingfeng." You Fang answered the salutation. Everyone stood up from where they sat, save for Chen Quan, who squinted his eyes and scrutinized the old man.

　　"Oh, not at all. On the contrary, I'm sorry to have made you come all the way. Please, come inside." Qing Feng gestured.

　　Lin Lu put her rifle on the ground and followed Qing Feng after a quick glance at Zhang Shanjun, who stood still while keeping guard. Li Yiming also put his gun down and followed along with Liu Meng.

　　"It must have been a long trip. Please take a break. I'll go get the refreshments," Qing Feng said and headed for the side hall.

　　"There's no need to inconvenience yourself, master. My name is Lin Lu, and I'm the one responsible for this operation. We'd like to know if there have been any changes in Lianyun Peak recently." Lin Lu intervened and explained herself.

　　“It's okay, it'll only take a little while." Qing Feng made a smile that accentuated his wrinkles and insisted on showing his due hospitality.

　　"Thank you, Master Qing Feng. But it would really be inappropriate for us to inconvenience you…" You Fang stepped forward and supported Qing Feng back into the crowd.

　　"Oh well…" Qing Feng smiled and shook his head as he looked at each of his visitors.

　　Lin Lu frowned lightly; with her way of doing things, she found it hard to deal with people like Qing Feng. After exchanging a quick glance with Mr. You Fang, she took a few steps back and gave the responsibility of interacting with Qing Feng with the latter. Qing Feng continued his examination, stopped upon noticing Li Yiming's bald head, and made another bow.

　　"Oh, my apologies. I did not realize that someone who walked the way of Buddha was…" Qing Feng said. "Regardless, you are my guest the moment you walk through the door, these are the rules, and what you believe in doesn't concern me."

　　"I'm sorry, this is a misunderstanding. I'm bald, that's all…" Li Yiming lowered his head to show that he did not have the markings that were inscribed on the head of monks.

　　Liu Meng put her hand to her mouth to hide a chuckle.

　　"Master Qing Feng, may I ask you about Lianyun Peak…" You Fang was also baffled. He had heard of Qing Feng's name for a long time. 'But who would have known… time is really unforgiving I suppose.'

　　"Oh, yes. Lianyun Peak. Please follow me…" Qing Feng took on a worried expression and limped shakingly toward the back of the building. You Fang immediately stepped forward to help him.