bookbashuk Chapter 228 Yunyin Attends the Banquet
Chapter 228 Yunyin Attends the Banquet
The words of Daoist Tianbao, who was standing to the side, were not much different from those of Zhang Nanshan.
I can definitely provide the items. Exchanging some basic techniques for such a statue is definitely not a bad deal.
Zhang Nanshan and Daoist Tianbao asked a few more questions in detail, such as the preferred materials, size, and delivery time of the statue. Chen Anran answered them one by one, and the atmosphere was harmonious and pragmatic.
In the end, the two Taoist priests made a verbal agreement with Chen Anran: after returning to their respective sects, they would compile three to five copies of the Dharma teachings or notes that met the requirements, and then hand them over to the "friend in Guangshi" through the Yunyin Sect. After the other party confirmed the information, they would then arrange the casting and transportation of the statue.
"The matter is settled then." Zhang Nanshan clapped his hands and laughed, looking relaxed. "Young friend Chen, please give my regards to your friend. This exchange is a good thing for both of us."
Master Tianbao smiled and nodded, "This perfectly aligns with the principle of 'the Tao follows nature, and all things interact.' We will begin making arrangements once we return."
With business settled and tea served twice, afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves of the osmanthus trees, casting dappled patterns on the stone table. Little Ling'er, having already finished her "masterpiece," held up a brightly colored sheet of paper with abstract lines, explaining to Su Wan in her childish voice, "Master, look, this is Grandpa Zhang's fan, this is Grandpa Bao's glasses, and this is Junior Uncle's teacup..."
Su Wan listened attentively, nodding occasionally, her eyes gentle.
Wang Rui and the other two stood by, not daring to interrupt, but listening intently, feeling that what they had heard today far exceeded their previous imagination of the "cultivation world". It turned out that the interactions between immortals were not only about wind, thunder and sword light, but also included such elegant matters as drinking tea, discussing the Dao, and exchanging "Dao" with objects.
At that very moment—
"Buzz...buzz...buzz..."
Several cell phone vibrations, occurring almost simultaneously, broke the tranquil and leisurely atmosphere of the courtyard in the afternoon.
Su Wan, Chen Anran, Zhang Nanshan, and Daoist Tianbao were all taken aback, and then each of them took out their cell phones from their pockets or sleeves.
Turn on the screen, and you'll see a notification from the same group chat (@all members) flashing on the lock screen.
[Mutual Assistance and Exchange Group for Righteous Cultivators]
[Han Bailian of the Han Family in the Lake: @All members, fellow Daoists, I apologize for the intrusion. My mother is turning ninety-five years old and will be celebrating her birthday with a banquet at Yue Ran Ju in Lin City on the sixteenth of this month, which is five days from now. The old lady loves lively gatherings, especially seeing talented young people and those with an air of immortality. I, Han, humbly invite all fellow Daoists to take time out of your busy schedules to attend, have a drink, and bring joy to my mother. Recently, there have been signs of spiritual energy recovery in Lin City, which may present an opportunity for a small gathering to discuss the Dao.]
Attached: Hotel address and rough itinerary [Document Link]. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Below the message, there were already a few scattered replies, mostly congratulatory messages such as "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Han" and "Wishing the old lady a long and healthy life."
The four looked up and exchanged bewildered glances.
"This Han Bailian..." Zhang Nanshan chuckled and shook his head, sitting back in the rattan chair. "For his grandmother's birthday celebration, he probably invited half of the cultivation circle."
Master Tianbao looked at his phone and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Han has a wide circle of friends and is known for his integrity. Years ago, one of my disciples from Maoshan was in trouble in Lincheng and received help from the Han family. It is only right and proper for me to attend this birthday banquet."
Chen Anran tapped the edge of her phone with her fingertip, pondering for a moment.
I had met Han Bailian a few times before during the Earth Dragon Rolling Incident, but we hadn't really interacted much. However, judging from his appearance, he did seem to be just as Tianbao Zhenren had described. He looked very honest and kind, and as the head of the righteous Han family, I had to go there.
One thing puzzled Chen Anran, so he asked, "Isn't the Han family from Huzhong City? Why would they travel all the way to Lincheng to hold a birthday banquet?"
Lincheng is not far from their Yunyin Sect. Chen Anran had also been to Lincheng before because of Feng Xiaolu and Zhao Mengmeng. The journey only took two or three hours.
Su Wan put down her phone and explained gently, "Although the Han family is a prominent family in the lake area, the old lady's ancestral home is Lincheng. As people get older, they tend to cherish the past. Fellow Daoist Han specially arranged the birthday banquet in Lincheng this time to fulfill the old lady's wish."
Chen Anran nodded knowingly: "I see. The old lady is turning ninety-five, which is indeed a long life and worth celebrating."
Su Wan looked at Chen Anran, her gaze questioning, "What does Junior Brother think?"
Zhang Nanshan, fanning himself, chuckled and said, "Old Madam Han is an interesting person. When she was young, she was straightforward and loved to hear about all sorts of interesting things. She would always ask young people all sorts of questions. In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt to go to her birthday banquet. It would be a good way to relax and see what Lincheng is like now."
Master Tianbao nodded in agreement: "Since Fellow Daoist Han has extended such a sincere invitation, how could Maoshan refuse? If Headmaster Su and Fellow Daoist Chen are interested, they may travel together, so that they can look out for each other on the way."
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Anran had already made up his mind.
"Since Fellow Daoist Han is so kind, and it is also the old lady's birthday, we should go and offer our congratulations." Chen Anran looked at Su Wan, then turned to Zhang Nanshan and Daoist Tianbao, "I just don't know when the two seniors will set off? If the timing is right, perhaps we can travel together."
Zhang Nanshan smiled and said, "We'll go down the mountain tomorrow to return, make some quick rest, and then set off for Lincheng in about three days. The birthday banquet is in five days, so we have plenty of time and can even visit one or two familiar places along the way."
Master Tianbao said, "That's right. Sect Leader Su, Fellow Daoist Chen, if you decide to travel together, please let us know in advance. We will meet at Yue Ran Residence in Lin City."
Su Wan said gently, "The Yunyin Sect will send my junior brother An Ran and my junior sister Wei Qingyi to offer their congratulations."
Chen Anran was taken aback. "Senior Sister, aren't you going?"
Su Wan smiled and shook her head. "I won't go."
Chen Anran was slightly surprised to hear Su Wan's decision, but then he thought about it and realized that Senior Sister had only chosen to come down the mountain for the sake of those affected by the major incident in Chongqing. At other times, it was indeed rare to see Senior Sister leave the area within a hundred miles of Yunyin Sect.
Su Wan, unaware that Chen Anran had already figured things out, continued to explain, "Although there haven't been any major events on the mountain lately, the resort at the foot of the mountain is beginning to take shape, and our interactions with fellow Daoists from all sides are increasing. Someone is always needed to look after things. Originally, Qingyi had only just returned, so Xiaolu should have gone with you. However, I've noticed that Xiaolu has been cultivating quite diligently lately, which is quite rare. After much consideration, I've decided that Qingyi should accompany you this time."
With the decision made, the tea conversation in the courtyard naturally turned to the details of Lin Cheng's birthday banquet.
Zhang Nanshan fanned himself with a folding fan, squinting as he recalled, "Yueranju... if I remember correctly, it should be that old-fashioned manor-style hotel in the eastern suburbs of Lincheng, right? Nestled against the mountains and by the water, the garden scenery has a distinct Jiangnan charm. Han Bailian certainly knows how to pick a place."
Master Tianbao nodded: "That's it. Ten years ago, I met Fellow Daoist Han in Lin City and stayed at Yue Ran Residence. Although it's not as luxurious as a five-star hotel, it's quiet and elegant, the gardens are very well maintained, and the spiritual energy is much stronger than in the city."
Chen Anran listened, gaining a general understanding of the trip. He turned to Su Wan: "Senior Sister, since we're going to offer birthday wishes, what about the gifts..."
Su Wan said gently, "I've thought about this. The old lady of the Han family is of advanced age, and ordinary gold, silver, and jade would be too vulgar. A few days ago, the Feng brothers sent over a batch of newly prepared 'Calming and Tranquilizing Tea,' made from the leaves of old tea trees in the mountains with a few mild spiritual herbs. Although it's not particularly rare, it's mild and gentle, making it most suitable for the elderly to drink daily. We can prepare two boxes, along with some 'Longevity Peach Spirit Cake' specially made by Fatty Li, for good luck."