After verifying his identity, Prefect Ma Bonde also heaved a sigh of relief and exchanged pleasantries with Taoist Xi Menzi for his righteous intervention to maintain local law and order.
Although there were no explicit laws stating so, Buddhist and Daoist individuals indeed enjoyed privileges in this world. They could own vast tracts of land and paid very little in taxes, and could meet officials without bowing or kneeling. Even in criminal cases, they were not tried by the government but handed over to a higher department that specifically managed the affairs of Zen Buddhism and the Taoist Door.
Of course, all this was contingent upon monks and Daoists possessing an official document, scarce in quantity and provided only to Direct Disciples of Reputable Sects.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Prefect Ma Bonde treated Li Ang with such respect.
