Those panicking were not only the worshippers who had come to offer incense but also the monks within the Qixia Temple. The Temple Supervisor led a group of Martial Monks, armed with clubs, to surround the entrance of the Temple’s Guest Courtyard, ensuring the safety of the dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the Abbot and several Martial Monks had surrounded the black and white tiger. They keenly observed its movements. If the tiger showed any sign of intending to harm people, they would immediately subdue and kill it!
However, after surrounding the tiger, they saw no signs of aggression or intent to harm. Instead, they found its pace had slowed. It seemed to be strolling leisurely, quite relaxed.
"Abbot, this tiger does not seem to want to harm people. Do we still need to kill it?"
Monks do not take life. Even though this was a large tiger capable of tearing a person apart, as long as it showed no intention to harm, they would not attack it.
"Amitabha. For now, let us follow it and see what it intends to do."
No matter how the old Abbot looked at it, he had a feeling that this tiger was not out for a hunt; it seemed more like it was taking a stroll.
Step by step, the black and white tiger walked forward. The worshippers watched from a distance, huddled together in fear, wanting to find a place to hide yet also extremely curious about this large tiger.
The black and white tiger strolled towards the Guest Courtyard. Seeing this, the Temple Supervisor and the group of Martial Monks raised their clubs, poised to strike the black and white tiger.
"AWOO..." With a howl, the tiger surprisingly stood its ground.
The Martial Monks, their clubs still raised, hesitated, unsure whether to bring them down on the large tiger.
"Don’t attack!" the Abbot hurriedly shouted, though he still had his men keep the tiger surrounded. "Evacuate all the worshippers from the area! Ensure the distinguished guests in the Guest Courtyard do not come out. This tiger likely has an unusual origin."
There were many large animals on the mountain behind Qixia Temple. However, since the temple’s construction, none had ever descended the mountain. The Abbot couldn’t help but suspect that there was something extraordinary about this large tiger suddenly appearing today; this matter was likely not simple.
"AWOO..."
The black and white tiger leisurely walked to the Courtyard where Suisui and the others were staying. Upon receiving the news, Ji Youzhi and the others rushed over anxiously.
"Hurry! My second daughter-in-law just returned with Suisui, and they are resting in the Courtyard now. This huge tiger must not frighten Suisui!"
Madam Ji was extremely anxious. Supported by Xie Pan’Er on one side and Zhu Xiuxiu on the other, she hurried towards the Guest Courtyard.
Several Martial Monks, seeing them, quickly moved to stop them.
"Patron, it is dangerous ahead. Please retreat quickly."
Madam Ji, extremely anxious, said urgently, "My Suisui is in there! I’m worried for her safety!"
When the Temple Supervisor saw it was the Ji Family, he immediately grew concerned. Although the Ji Family hadn’t explicitly stated it, as someone who dealt with the outside world, he naturally knew about the Princess in the Ji Family.
"Rest assured, Madam. As long as the Princess does not leave the Courtyard of her own accord, this tiger will not frighten her!"
Hearing the Temple Supervisor’s assurance, Madam Ji suddenly felt something was amiss.
Just as she was thinking this, she heard Xie Pan’Er’s voice.
"I’m just afraid the Princess won’t obediently stay in the Courtyard!"
As soon as Xie Pan’Er finished speaking, Zhu Xiuxiu joined in.
"That’s not the main concern. The real issue is, I’m truly afraid this tiger’s arrival is somehow related to her. That would be a serious problem!"