"This..."
Zhang Ruhui never imagined that Han Mo would be so arrogant.
His master was now the foremost authority in Taoism across the land. Even the Emperor showed him utmost respect, addressing him as "Sir."
This young man had his master come all the way here to meet him. Such audacity was truly beyond measure.
"Young official, perhaps you should go yourself..."
Before Zhang Ruhui could speak, Niu Deyi whispered.
"Young official, in life, one must have self-awareness!"
With so many people present, Zhang Ruhui refrained from uttering harsh words. Instead, he glanced at Han Mo with a knowing smile and spoke pointedly.
"What, you're unwilling? How about this: you go back and ask your master, see what your master himself says!"
"The saying 'self-awareness is precious' is one I also appreciate. It's true, one should only bite off what they can chew. But it just so happens that this particular meal, I can indeed manage!"
In response to Zhang Ruhui's veiled threat, Han Mo casually retorted. The air in the entire dining hall instantly became still. Even those who were merely spectating could feel the palpable tension, like gunpowder ready to ignite.
The majority of those present didn't know who Han Mo was, but they certainly knew Zhang Ruhui. Seeing this young lad dare to speak to Zhang Ruhui in such a manner, their gazes towards Han Mo turned strangely inquisitive.
The Taoist priests present began to eye Han Mo with growing animosity. Two particularly burly individuals even started walking towards the entrance. It seemed that with a single command from Zhang Ruhui, they would immediately charge forward.
Not only Niu Deyi, but even Xu Fengnian felt that the situation had taken a turn for the worse. He found himself silently praying to the heavens.
"Since that is the case, please wait here for a moment, young official!"
After a moment of silence, Zhang Ruhui gritted his teeth, bowed to Han Mo, and then walked out of the dining hall once more.
If he hadn't seen those manuscripts, he might have already had Han Mo thrown out. But this young man possessed something they desperately needed.
"I have other matters today. Please be quick. If your master is unavailable, I believe others will be very interested!"
Although Lin Ling Su was currently the most favored Taoist priest, the 25th generation Grandmaster of the Maoshan Sect, Liu Hunkang, and the 30th generation Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain, Zhang Jixian, were both watching intently. If this matter fell into their hands, it wouldn't be long before they could truly replace Lin Ling Su's position.
"What are you waiting for? Go fetch some fine tea and snacks for the young official!"
Despite his reluctance, Zhang Ruhui could only swallow his pride. He turned and took out his frustration on the ordinary Taoist priests.
"As expected, a promising young man!"
Watching Han Mo boss Zhang Ruhui around like a young acolyte, the onlookers widened their eyes in astonishment.
"I apologize, everyone. We have other matters at the temple today. Please proceed on your way."
The Taoist priests of Shenxiao Palace were all exceptionally shrewd. After all, in their profession, apart from the truly ascetic practitioners, the rest relied on their wit and words to make a living. Without the ability to read people's expressions, they wouldn't survive.
Given how the situation had unfolded today, whether this young man ultimately gained Lin Ling Su's favor or was apprehended, the subsequent scene was not suitable for idle onlookers.
"Young official, don't you think it feels like they're trying to trap us?"
After observing the surrounding Taoist priests, Xu Fengnian lowered his voice and spoke into Han Mo's ear.
"If you don't know how to talk, just shut your mouth. What do you mean 'trap us'? You're the turtle, and your whole family are turtles!"
Han Mo shot him a glare. This fellow usually seemed quite clever, but today he was spouting nonsense.
"I was just worried..."
Xu Fengnian trailed off mid-sentence, seeing Han Mo's glare. He dared not speak further and lowered his head in resignation.
Fortunately, after a short while, the Taoist priests immediately brought out eight exquisite dishes. The delicate pastries arranged within were clearly of imperial quality. Although they were just snacks, their presentation and taste were undoubtedly top-notch. After all, ordinary households could not produce such beautifully presented, flavorful, and aromatic treats.
Niu Deyi and Xu Fengnian were now exceptionally uneasy. Looking at the menacing Taoist priests, their hearts were pounding.
Han Mo, however, was not so polite. Although he was already quite full, he wouldn't let such fine delicacies go to waste. After a quick taste, he immediately called over a nearby young Taoist priest.
"Go find me a food box and pack all these pastries. Also, you Taoist priests are too stingy. Is the portion size a bit too small? Bring me five more servings of these, pack them all together, and I'll take them with me when I leave!"
"I..."
The steward in charge of the dining hall's eyes widened. Who exactly was this fellow? Did he not know this was Shenxiao Palace? After eating and drinking here for so long for free, and having a meal, he wasn't satisfied and now wanted to pack leftovers!
"Since the young official likes them, what are you waiting for? Go and prepare!"
Just as the Taoist priests were hesitating, wondering whether to skin Han Mo alive, Lin Ling Su, clad in a Taoist robe and wearing an iron crown, walked in from outside.
One had to admit, purely based on appearance, this fellow did possess a certain ethereal charm. Combined with his Taoist robe, even standing there silently, he looked much like an immortal.
"You must be Master Yuan Miao, right?"
Seeing Zhang Ruhui following behind him like a mere acolyte, Han Mo couldn't help but guess his identity.
"This humble Taoist is indeed he. May I know the young official's name?" Lin Ling Su smiled and casually sat down opposite Han Mo.
Niu Deyi and Xu Fengnian instinctively stood up and retreated to the side. After all, in the eyes of ordinary people, Lin Ling Su was a true immortal. To be able to sit at the same table with him, or even just catch a glimpse of him, was considered an incredible stroke of luck.
"My name is Han Mo from Xiang Province. I have come specifically to ask for alms from the esteemed immortal. I wonder if the esteemed immortal is interested in what I have to offer?"