Everyone originally thought that either the magical confrontation would continue, or Master Shenxiu would retort.
However, what followed was a scene in which Master Shenxiu wore a look of joy and thanked Tao Qian with a bow, saying again,
"Thank you, Daoist, for the teaching. Should Shenxiu achieve fruition in the future, it would surely be thanks in part to Daoist."
Tao Qian also smiled upon hearing this, not only returning the gesture but also intentionally speaking up to validate the master's sincerity and dispel any suspicion of impartiality.
"Master need not be polite. Wu Gou was simply delighted by the hunt, seeing that the master is a person with great merit, great potential, and great enlightenment, just a step away from Perfect Merit. It was out of boldness that I helped the master lift that veil."
