As he looked around.
TAP, TAP.
Footsteps approached. A sturdy young man appeared, wearing a silver robe with a wind-like pattern on the chest.
"Excuse me, might you be Senior Brother Lu?"
The man asked with a polite smile, clasping his hands in a traditional greeting.
Lu Chao nodded, stood, and returned the gesture.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Senior Brother Lu."
"My name is Song Yan. I am my master's third disciple. Master is waiting in the backyard. Please, follow me."
He explained briefly, then led the way.
In a short while, Lu Chao followed him through the first-floor hall and into an ancient-style courtyard within the building.
A glass canopy covered the sky, and a gentle breeze blew through.
The air temperature was quite comfortable. Even though it was still September, it didn't feel hot at all; in fact, it was rather cool.
Lu Chao looked ahead and saw a path paved with bluestone tiles. At the end of the corridor was a garden of flowers and a pavilion.
