There was no furniture in the pavilion, just an empty space where a veiled woman with graying hair was sitting cross-legged at the highest seat.
Zhang Ping'er led Zhang Xiaohua carefully inside, stopping at a distance from the woman. She bowed and said, "Greetings, Master."
Zhang Xiaohua also bowed respectfully, "Greetings, Vice Hall Master!"
The woman waved her hand and still had a pleasant smile, "I have no chairs here and it's my usual custom, so just sit at ease, no need to be polite."
She said, "Don't be polite," but Zhang Xiaohua dared not act impolite. He thanked her verbally and respectfully sat cross-legged not far away. Fortunately, Zhang Xiaohua was used to meditating and practicing inner strength in this position, so he did not find it unfamiliar. When the woman saw Zhang Xiaohua sit down so proficiently, she seemed a little surprised and couldn't help but ask, "Ren Xiaoyao, what kind of inner strength do you practice?"
