Lu Xuan and others watched Chu Xingchen and Runan walk outside. They said to let the people in the hall continue discussing, but everyone also understood that the two who could truly make decisions had gone out to negotiate.
Those remaining seated in the hall could only face each other in silence. Those in the mood could drink a cup of tea; those not in the mood just sat silently without a word.
The development of events far exceeded the imagination of the Buddhist sect's Buddhas—both Secular Buddhas and Karma Buddhas.
Time passed in silence.
After an unknown length of time—long enough that it felt drawn out to everyone in their hearts—the two finally walked back into the hall together, their faces carrying sincere smiles.
Everyone's gaze turned to them, looking at the two's very harmonious appearance.
Chu Xingchen walked into the hall and spoke first:
"Then it's settled. When my injuries improve in the future, I'll definitely go to the Great Thunder Temple to discuss the great Dao with Fellow Daoist."
Fellow Daoist?
In the time they were outside, the address had already changed from Honored Buddha to Fellow Daoist?
The Buddhas' gazes turned to Runan, whose face also carried the same gentle smile.
Runan nodded gently, revealing a gentle expression that none of the Buddhas had ever seen before:
"Naturally. I will sweep the couch and welcome Fellow Daoist."
Hearing Runan also respond with the term Fellow Daoist, everyone's expressions became variously colorful.
Chu Xingchen breathed out heavily twice, his expression showing some fatigue:
"The matters are all settled. The things to be done will be mainly handled by my eldest disciple. I will supervise. If Fellow Daoist feels anything is wrong, don't hesitate—speak directly. Seeking common ground while reserving differences is the long-term way."
Hearing this, Runan's eyes brightened—seeking common ground while reserving differences?
While savoring these words, he also responded:
"Naturally. Fellow Daoist's injuries haven't healed, and today has also consumed your energy. I won't trouble you further. The remaining matters, I will handle."
Chu Xingchen nodded repeatedly: "Good. Then I'll leave it all to Fellow Daoist."
Having said that, Chu Xingchen beckoned Xie Lingyu to support him, then bowed slightly to Runan again before taking his leave.
Runan returned the bow: "Fellow Daoist, take care."
Chu Xingchen smiled lightly, then walked outside the hall with Xie Lingyu.
Only when their figures had completely departed.
Lu Xuan slowly spoke: "Presumably, the Honored Buddha has agreed to the matter Chu Xingchen proposed?"
"Yes."
Runan's gaze turned back, looking at Lu Xuan with a somewhat gentler expression. Presumably, he also found the Lu Sect Master who used to disgust the Buddhist sect somewhat more pleasing to the eye, not as disgusting as before.
Lu Xuan felt somewhat uncomfortable under Runan's suddenly gentle gaze. He also couldn't figure out what Chu Xingchen had said to Runan outside… why the change was so great.
Could it be that Chu Xingchen had agreed to some other conditions for Runan outside?
After all, with Bai Xuanling as a cautionary tale, selling out the Sect Master was faster than anything—as if to say, I only handle the talking, not the doing.
If Chu Xingchen learned this bad habit, wouldn't the one suffering be himself, the Sect Master who had to do the work?
Lu Xuan thought for a moment, then still spoke: "Did Chu Xingchen agree to anything else for the Honored Buddha outside the hall? So I can follow the rules and handle it."
"Nothing more was agreed upon. What was discussed inside the hall was what was discussed outside." Runan denied. Seeing Lu Xuan's somewhat hesitant expression, he smiled and said: "I just chatted with Fellow Daoist Chu about other matters."
Lu Xuan nodded gently, then said:
"That's good…"
Runan also nodded gently.
Ruzhong, standing to the side, watched Runan's growing gentle expression and couldn't help but shake his head with a laugh.
The laugh made other Buddhas turn to look…
Runan naturally noticed Ruzhong's laugh and turned to look at him.
Ruzhong blinked slightly, as if to say—you felt it too, right?
——————————
"Are you okay?"
On the way back to the peak, Xie Lingyu asked with worry: "Did Runan make any moves?"
"Nah, Runan and all that—bros." Chu Xingchen waved his hand leisurely. "We talked really well. Maybe when the time comes, my good brother will call me to the Great Thunder Temple to become sworn brothers, and I'll be able to become the Buddhist sect's second-in-command."
Hearing this, Xie Lingyu couldn't help but shake her head with a light laugh:
"You just make things up."
"The highest form of warfare is strategy. Don't underestimate the ability to make things up." Chu Xingchen rubbed his chin. "When the time comes and I become sworn brothers with Runan, won't Wukong and Yuankong have to call me great-grandfather? And Xu Jin and Daoist Yuyang's junior uncle should also be called, right?"
During their conversation, the two had already arrived at the Peak of One Big Happy Family. They landed and headed toward the inner courtyard.
Xie Lingyu listened to these words and said helplessly:
"Sworn brothers… if Runan really knew your true purpose, he'd probably hang you on the Great Thunder Temple's main gate and whip you every day."
Chu Xingchen waved his hand in disgust:
"Ew… Lingyu, your taste is so heavy."
"I learned it from you."
"You blame me for all the bad habits? Lingyu, the shameless king!"
"You're the shameless king!"
Xie Lingyu raised her hand and lightly swatted at Chu Xingchen.
Chu Xingchen quickened his steps to dodge Xie Lingyu's hand, then turned around and gave Xie Lingyu a provocative raised eyebrow.
Xie Lingyu naturally didn't indulge him and stepped forward to chase.
Seeing this, Chu Xingchen quickly ran into the hall. But just as he entered the courtyard, his hurried steps stopped, and his provocative expression turned back into a gentle smile.
"Acting won't work!" Xie Lingyu didn't stop her movements, her tone certain.
Chu Xingchen often used this trick of pretending someone was there to trick her to stop. If Xie Lingyu really stopped, then she'd be laughed at again—mere Lingyu is truly cute.
Xie Lingyu walked quickly over, reaching out to pinch Chu Xingchen's arm, planning to give him a good pinch.
But her hand had just touched, not yet pinched, when she heard Bai Xuanling's teasing tone:
"Oh, did I come at the wrong time? Am I interfering with your loving each other?"
Xie Lingyu stopped, her expression showing slight embarrassment as she looked at Bai Xuanling, who was sitting alone in the courtyard drinking tea.
Chu Xingchen turned slightly to look at Xie Lingyu, whose face had some redness:
"See, occasionally you should believe me?"
Hearing this, Xie Lingyu gave Chu Xingchen a fierce glare.
Chu Xingchen laughingly put his arm around Xie Lingyu's shoulder, looking at Bai Xuanling with a relaxed expression:
"Naturally you came at the wrong time. Lady Lingyu and I were flirting. Next time you hear sounds, please leave automatically. Give us young people room to freely express ourselves."
Hearing this, Xie Lingyu's face grew even more red. She reached out and lightly poked Chu Xingchen's waist to signal him—say less of this kind of thing!
Bai Xuanling clicked her tongue twice:
"Fine, fine. In that case, I'll leave."
As Bai Xuanling spoke, she leisurely stood up.
Seeing this, Chu Xingchen hurriedly spoke:
"Just a joke. Young people like us should all be able to take a joke."
Bai Xuanling snorted lightly:
"Looking at your appearance, Runan was probably bamboozled silly by you, right?"
Chu Xingchen's face was full of righteousness:
"What do you mean bamboozled silly? That's trust between good bros."
"Say what you want." Bai Xuanling glanced away. "The opening has been made. You won't have such easy opportunities anymore. Are you all prepared?"
Hearing this, Xie Lingyu paused, her gaze turning to Chu Xingchen with surprise and suspicion.
But she only saw Chu Xingchen's playful expression fade.
Listening to his tone, calm and steady.
"Leave it to me."
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