Inside the great hall of Kongnian Temple.
Thirty abbots from other Buddhist Temples had already arrived.
They knelt on meditation cushions.
Righteous indignation was etched on every one of their faces.
It was as if each of them was suppressing a belly full of fire.
When the Abbot of Kongnian Temple walked into the great hall, all eyes turned toward Xujing.
"Master Xujing."
Everyone stood and bowed to Xujing with their palms pressed together.
"Greetings, everyone." Xujing returned the gesture, his own palms pressed together.
"You're too kind, Master Xujing," the Abbot of Qingzhou Temple quickly replied. "Please, take the seat of honor, Master Xujing, so we can discuss this important matter!"
Xujing nodded and, without refusing, took a seat at the very front of the hall.
The Abbot of Buiyi Temple cleared his throat and began, "Master Xujing, fellow masters. We have all gathered here today for a reason I'm sure we're all well aware of, so this old monk won't waste words.
