Chapter 137
Chapter 137
Deaf Granny shook her head helplessly and gently patted Chen Daji again.
“Second Grandson, don’t talk nonsense.”
“The old monk is about the same age as your grandfather. You should call him Eldest Master.”
“You must respect your elders, understand? Now hurry and apologize to him.”
“You need to be especially mindful when we’re outside.”
“Otherwise, people will say our family never taught you any manners.”
Chen Daji had no desire to make his grandmother angry, much less bring shame upon the entire family.
Putting on a stiff expression, he reluctantly helped Master Kongchan to the stool.
“Greetings, Eldest Master!”
“Please sit, Eldest Master!”
“Eldest Master, I was talking nonsense just now. A great man like you has a great capacity for forgiveness, so pretend I let out a spiraling fart!”
Seeing Chen Daji submit, Eighth Master Chang let out a string of vulgar chuckles.
“Daji, have you finally realized that everything you say sounds like a fart?”
This was the first time in his life that anyone had addressed Elder Monk Kongchan as an elder of the family.
His feelings were complicated.
He was not accustomed to it, yet it filled him with warmth.
He even felt that having a group of lively, affectionate family members like these would be a very happy thing.
“Namo Amitabha. The Young Benefactor is too courteous.”
When Chen Daji heard himself called “Young Benefactor,” dark thoughts immediately stirred.
*What kind of manners are those?*
*I call you Eldest Master, and you call me Young Benefactor.*
*Fine, Young Benefactor it is. Still better than you calling me Grandson…*
While Chen Daji’s thoughts wandered, Hua Jiunan spoke.
“Grandma, now that Master Kongchan is here to help, should we go and subdue the Eight Valiant Generals immediately, before a long delay causes new trouble?”
Deaf Granny shook her head.
“These wandering ghosts possess a thousand years of cultivation. Not one of them will be easy to deal with.”
“And in life, they were generals who commanded troops in battle!”
The old woman calculated on her fingers for a moment.
“The Ghosts Carry the Coffin rite takes one living soul every eight days.”
“Someone died only yesterday, which means they will not harm another person for seven more days.”
“Let us wait. We still have time.”
“If any Immortal Spirits emerge from seclusion during the next seven days, dealing with them will become much easier!”
Hua Jiunan and the others nodded together.
If there was an easy way to dispose of the evil ghosts, only a fool would insist on risking their life!
Even Chen Daji was not that stupid.
Since every spirit medium was in seclusion and the matter in Liujia Village did not require immediate action, Elder Monk Kongchan rose to say farewell. Deaf Granny stopped him.
“Old monk, you’re already here. Eat before you leave.”
“If we let you go home hungry, won’t people laugh at our family for not knowing how to treat a guest?”
“After dinner, I’ll have Chen Fu drive you back up the mountain.”
Deaf Granny finished speaking and smiled at Chen Daji.
“Stinking brat, go into town and buy a new set of pots, bowls, and kitchenware.”
“We’re entertaining Master Kongchan today, so the family will prepare a vegetarian feast.”
Chen Daji grunted his agreement, pulled Hua Jiunan along, and headed out.
Master Kongchan pressed his palms together and chanted the Buddha’s name.
“Namo Amitabha.”
“The Bodhisattva Lady teaches by both word and example. The two Young Benefactors have boundless futures!”
Supported by Hu Fei’er, Deaf Granny rose with a cheerful smile.
“Aiguo, Chen Fu, stop busying yourselves in the kitchen.”
“Go inside and keep the old monk company.”
The two men answered together.
“Understood, Old Auntie. We’re coming.”
The hospitable Chen Fu even took out a cigar and offered it to Elder Monk Kongchan.
“Master, try one of these. This foreign thing isn’t bad. Doesn’t scorch the throat as much as a homegrown tobacco pipe.”
An hour later, a table laden with sumptuous vegetarian dishes stood before everyone.
Wang San’s Wife and the other two women did not sit down. They remained behind Deaf Granny with aprons tied around their waists.
“Please enjoy, Master. If anything isn’t to your taste, we’ll make it again.”
The old monk hurriedly rose to thank them.
“Namo Amitabha. The female Benefactors are too courteous.”
The meal passed with hosts and guest equally delighted.
When the time reached nine in the evening, Deaf Granny had Zhao Aiguo and his wife carry Zhao Fei into the courtyard.
“All right. The three days are up.”
“It’s time to send Fengmei on her way.”
Master Kongchan rose to leave.
“Namo Amitabha.”
“The Bodhisattva Lady is about to perform a rite to deliver a lost soul. This old monk should withdraw.”
There was an unwritten rule among cultivators.
When one tradition performed a rite, members of other faiths could not watch from the side.
First, it prevented others from secretly stealing the art.
Second, different beliefs might clash and cause unnecessary interference.
Deaf Granny smiled and shook her head.
“It’s all right, old monk. Stay where you are.”
“We spirit medium disciples don’t have so many rules.”