A couple of hours passed relatively peacefully for Lin Mu, but soon, soone ca to visit him.
A young monk entered, looking slightly bewildered but composed. "Senior Lin Mu," he said, bowing, "the Abbot has invited you to join him at the Grand Hall… at your convenience."
Lin Mu raised a brow. "That fast, huh?"
"Um… yes. He said the stars move swiftly when the sky is clear," the monk added, clearly reciting the ssage as it had been given.
Lin Mu chuckled. "Very poetic."
He gave a short glance in the direction where the beasts were roughly located, then turned and left with the monk.
The journey up the steps to the Grand Peak was quiet. The temple grounds were vast, and as they climbed higher, Lin Mu could see more of its intricate design—courtyards filled with lotus pools, ditation chambers, and statues of ancient sages carved directly into the mountainside.
When he arrived at the Grand Hall, the doors were already open. The Abbot stood waiting, flanked by the elders, who now regarded Lin Mu with far more attention than before.
"Welco, young one," the Abbot said gently. "We hope your stay has been comfortable."
Lin Mu bowed slightly. "It has been peaceful so far. Thank you."
"There is much we would like to learn from you… and about you," the Abbot continued, eyes sharp but kind. "Would you care to speak with us?"
Lin Mu stepped forward. "Of course. I believe there's value in understanding one another."
He was led inside, and what followed was a long conversation—asured, thoughtful, and at tis, deeply philosophical. The monks asked about his travels, his cultivation, his understanding of the Dao, and the universe.
Lin Mu answered with honesty where he could, and humility where he must. He did not boast, nor did he conceal the truth. And in return, the monks listened—not just with their ears, but with their hearts.
It was rare that Lin Mu got to chat with others like this. Even with Monk Hushu, Daoist Chu, and Crown Prince Feng, there were so things he could not reveal. Of course, he still did not reveal his biggest secrets, but he could speak more freely about the emotions and trials he had faced.
By the end of the exchange, a quiet respect had settled in the hall.
The Abbot smiled. "You carry great weight on your shoulders, Lin Mu. But you do not stumble beneath it. That is a rare thing."
Lin Mu looked down briefly. "There are tis I feel like I might. But I keep walking anyway."
The monks nodded. The room was silent again for a mont, filled with unspoken understanding.
A short while later, one of the elders spoke.
"So you've also taken the sword path?" the elder asked.
"I have, elder," Lin Mu replied.
"Hmm… there aren't many who possess both a Buddhist affinity and the ability to tread upon the sword path," the elder remarked thoughtfully.
"I have rely grasped what seed possible to ," Lin Mu said simply.
"That is impressive. Perhaps it might be good for you to visit the Xian Sword Sect," another elder suggested.
"Ah yes, I intended to visit them too. I heard they have Sacred Trial Grounds that are good for nurturing sword intent," Lin Mu replied.
"They do indeed. While it's a bit difficult to gain permission, I believe with your talent and skills, you shouldn't have any issue," the elder said with confidence.
"I will visit them when I feel like I've spent enough ti here. I believe I have a lot to learn by staying at this temple," Lin Mu stated.
"That would be good," the elder nodded. "Though if you wish, we can inquire about their missions. Perhaps we can select one in advance for you," he offered.
Lin Mu raised his brows upon hearing that.
"That would be great, if you can do that, elders," Lin Mu said gratefully.
"Of course. We must serve our guests well," the elder said, recalling what the Saintess had told them.
There was no way they could ignore the words of soone like her—especially when she was personally acquainted with not just the Great Potala Palace and the Mahayana Island, but also their abbots.
Her request might as well have been a divine mandate, and they would fulfill it without question.
Not to ntion, Lin Mu had beco quite likable to them. They couldn't help but find his presence rather pleasant.
"I'll contact their elder for more information. We'll inform you when we receive it," the elder stated.
"Thank you, elder," Lin Mu nodded.
"We shall not keep you long then. Youths like you should focus on cultivation, not waste ti with old n like us," the elder laughed.
"It will never be a waste to absorb the wisdom of the elders," Lin Mu replied, making the elders smile.
"Good, good. With such an attitude, you will go quite far," the Abbot added, clearly pleased.
"Then if you permit , I shall take my leave, elders," Lin Mu said respectfully.
"Very well. Go rest," the Abbot replied.
With that, Lin Mu brought his palms together in farewell before taking his leave.
He didn't rush back to the courtyard, though. Instead, he took his ti to enjoy walking through the peak.
'No effect from the steps now,' Lin Mu noted. 'Guess Monk Hushu's words were correct. They are only effective the first ti around,' he thought.
What he didn't know was that this was only because he had passed the test of all the steps in one go. If he hadn't, he would have been forced to retreat and attempt them again. Many monks were unable to do what he had done—only a rare few ever reaching the top in a single try.
This was also why the monks were so respectful toward him.
They saw him not just as a guest, not even as an equal, but as soone far greater.
Lin Mu continued to enjoy his nightti walk and reached his room in a little more than an hour.
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