Xu Qing was speaking about inviting the two mages for enlightenment, but his gaze remained fixed on Baiyun Daoist.
The old Daoist merely thought that the other intended to join the Xuan Sect, so he followed up by asking, "This humble Daoist sees that you possess an uncommon manner; might I ask about your family background and origins?"
Xu Qing chuckled, "My surname is Xu, living alone with only my clever and understanding, innocent and kind sister. As for my family background... I'm nothing more than a Funeral Master for burials and farewells. Someone as unencumbered and unbound by worldly matters as myself, I would think, suits the Daoist's preferences."
The old Daoist furrowed his brows and glanced at the chubby monk beside him, speaking faintly, "Master Jinghai, to my view, this donor seems to have some affinity with the Buddhist Teachings."
The chubby monk still wore a smile, "This patron, coming from a background in funerals, and yet invited to a marriage banquet, must possess some extraordinary qualities. Brother Baiyun, wouldn't you reconsider? Perhaps this patron has considerable wealth and could contribute to your temple's prosperity..."
Baiyun Daoist, hearing this, immediately redirected his inquisitive gaze back to Xu Qing.
Turns out, this old Daoist thief is also a greedy, money-hoarding sort!
"I have little wealth, but I have long admired the famed White Cloud Temple Master..."
"How do you know that I am the temple master of Ruyi Temple?" Baiyun Daoist asked, puzzled.
"In my early years, when I went to the temple to burn incense, I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of your venerable appearance, and though it was a brief encounter, it was unforgettable for me."
What Xu Qing said was so genuine, that even the well-versed Baiyun Daoist and Jinghai did not detect any deceit.
When Xu Qing remarked about having little wealth, the old Daoist showed signs of impatience.
But at this moment, Xu Qing suddenly shifted his tone, saying, "Though I don't have much wealth, I am willing to donate one thousand silver taels and one hundred gold taels, as a token for incense offerings, in hopes of one day entering the Gate of Myriad Wonders."
As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, before Baiyun Daoist could respond, Jinghai was the first to speak up:
"Brother Baiyun has no intention of enlightening others. In my opinion, Patron Xu has deeper connections with our temple's Buddhist Teachings. If the patron wishes, you're welcome to practice at our Cizhao Temple."
"..."
Baiyun Daoist glanced at the chubby monk who cut in halfway.
Just when the atmosphere in the room turned subtle, the old Daoist's expression suddenly relaxed.
"Since the master fancies this layperson, it's the master's destiny, and of course, I will not take away someone else's love."
He still had important tasks at hand and didn't need to waste time on minor matters like these.
At this point, Jinghai was taken aback, for he had merely made a casual suggestion. Judging by Baiyun Daoist's usual nature, he wouldn't let go so easily.
This left him utterly perplexed.
Outside the table, Xu Qing, who had been constantly watching Baiyun Daoist, finally turned to look at Jinghai this time.
This bald donkey really can't read the situation!
Xu Qing still wanted to seize the opportunity to approach Baiyun Daoist, but he heard sounds of wine being poured and cups clinking not far away.
It turned out to be the bridegroom toasting guests.
"Friends from the martial world have gathered here today, and Mr. Shang has prepared some modest wine to show our respect. If there is any lack in hospitality, we kindly beg your forgiveness..."
After downing a cup of wine, Shang Shaoyang inadvertently looked up and caught sight of Xu Qing sitting with the monk and Daoist.
"Brother Xu! I've been looking for you for ages, but I didn't expect you to be here, seeking some peace."
Shang Shaoyang quickly approached Xu Qing, and upon seeing Baiyun Daoist and Jinghai, he hurriedly greeted, "So White Cloud Immortal Master and Master Jinghai are here too, my apologies, my apologies."
White Cloud Immortal Master? Xu Qing's eyes flickered; who knew this old Daoist was quite renowned in Qianzhou.
Not wanting to neglect the monk and Daoist before him, Shang Shaoyang toasted two cups of plain wine and then said, "Immortal Master is just in time, my brothers-in-law have been waiting for some time. If the Immortal Master is free, please step into the inner residence..."
Brothers-in-law mean his wife's brothers and siblings.
Xu Qing wondered in his heart, what was Baiyun Daoist doing, coming to the Shang family to find the Gu family? It was known that although the Daoist had a human face, in truth, he was morally depraved and extremely hypocritical.
No one could guess what devious plan he was up to.
With so many people talking and gossiping in the loft, Xu Qing temporarily suppressed his doubts, watching as Baiyun Daoist finished drinking and left.
"Brother Xu, you've come from afar just to attend my wedding; such friendship is as deep as the mountains and seas. Today, no matter what, I must toast you a drink!"
"..."
This Shang gentleman, how could he be so blindly gratified?
But in the face of this young man's sincerity, Xu Qing felt a bit embarrassed.
He was merely attending out of convenience, and if it weren't for his cat's issue, he wouldn't even travel a hundred miles, let alone a thousand, just to be here.
The outside world is so dangerous; where could be safer than the Jin Sect?
Besides, the corpses buried in Shuimen Bridge Villa wouldn't fathom Xu Qing's thoughts at this moment, otherwise, they might all jump out to protest.
With such a big calamity lurking in that Jin Sect, you call it safe?
Initially, Xu Qing had no intention of meddling in Shang Shaoyang's family affairs, but seeing this guy specifically come to toast him, referring to him as a brother in front of everyone, he helplessly shook his head.
The enemy of an enemy is a friend; if helping Shang Shaoyang could annoy Baiyun Daoist, he would definitely be more than happy to do so.
There, Xu Qing, under the guise of using the restroom, pulled Shang Shaoyang aside to a secluded area.
"Brother Xu, weren't you going to the restroom? Why bring me here?"
Seeing Xu Qing's serious expression, Shang Shaoyang immediately realized, "Brother Xu, do you have something to discuss with me?"
Xu Qing pondered briefly and straightforwardly asked, "Do you know what Baiyun Daoist of Ruyi Temple wants with the Gu family?"
Shang Shaoyang, hearing the displeasure in Xu Qing's reference to Baiyun Daoist, subtly moved and replied, "Daoist Baiyun claims his master and Gu family ancestor Gu Lingjun were fellow disciples, and Gu family's martial art of Dao soldiers is also intricately linked with Ruyi Temple."