Bright sunlight pours down, and at the center of the encircling pond stands a pavilion. King Earth-Store sits serenely beneath it, quietly sipping his tea.
"Great Sage, this way please."
Not far away, Gavin Goathorn hurriedly led Damon Six-Ears through the arched gate.
Catching sight of King Earth-Store from afar, Damon Six-Ears instantly stopped in his tracks.
The two silently stared at each other across the pond.
After a long moment, King Earth-Store gave a faint smile and set down his teacup. Damon Six-Ears let out a deep sigh, then quickly strode toward him along the winding corridor.
"It's been a while." King Earth-Store's gaze lowered as he sipped his tea and sighed softly. "Compared to our last meeting, you've truly come into your own. As they say, three days apart and one must see you with new eyes."
"Go ahead. What do you want from me?" Damon Six-Ears plopped down across from him at the stone table, eyes wide, fixing a hard stare on Earth-Store King.
Yet King Earth-Store glanced around, seeming far more interested in the courtyard's scenery than in Damon Six-Ears himself.
"Take a guess."
Damon Six-Ears snapped, "Stop beating around the bush. If you have something to say, just say it. If you need to fart, do it quick!"
Only then did King Earth-Store leisurely glance at Damon Six-Ears. Damon was already grinding his teeth, anger written all over his face.
"Why don’t you speak first?" After a long pause, King Earth-Store sighed lightly, "After all this time, you must have many things you want to say to me, or perhaps, questions you want to ask."
"Fine." Damon Six-Ears spread his hands on the table, glaring at King Earth-Store: "Why did you save me back then?"
"If I said it was out of compassion, would you believe me?" King Earth-Store replied.
"Of course not! You definitely had your reasons for saving me!" Damon shot back.
"Since you already have the answer in your heart, why bother asking?" King Earth-Store said calmly.
"You!" Damon Six-Ears was momentarily speechless.
If it were anyone else speaking to Damon Six-Ears in such a mocking tone, he would have exploded by now. Even if he didn’t tear them limb from limb, he’d make them wish they were dead.
But when it came to the Buddhist Order—especially someone who had the power to rescue him from Heavenly Tribulation and knew so many secrets—Damon Six-Ears couldn’t help but feel some apprehension.