The banquet afterward made a deliberate effort to stay lively, but the matter of the Great Dao Corruption had dampened everyone's spirits. After a light taste of the immortal feast, they took their leave.
Outside Taibai Star Lord Mansion, Fuyun Immortal Monarch saw Ye Wenshu, Xiaogong, and Shen Yao off. The three were about to set out for Baiguo World.
Watching them disappear into the distance, Fuyun Immortal Monarch said to Jiang Sheng, "Heavenly Lord, a moment, please. There are still some matters I'd like to discuss with you."
After a moment's thought, Jiang Sheng nodded and followed Fuyun Immortal Monarch back into the mansion.
The banquet arrangement in Xianyun Hall had been changed. Immortal qi drifted through the cloud-wreathed hall. Gauze curtains screened its four sides, painted folding screens stood to the left and right, and a cluster of true fire boiled tea at the center. Two couches faced each other for host and guest.
Fuyun Immortal Monarch brewed tea for his guest, but his usually smiling, kindly face now held worry and gravity. "True Lord Lingyuan, let's close the doors and speak frankly, as family."
"Zhenxiao Dao Sect may have few ties to East Heaven, but we belong to Xuanmen, and we live in the same Three Realms. Outsiders may not understand certain things, but you surely do."
Jiang Sheng nodded. Zhenxiao Dao Sect indeed had few ties to East Heaven and had indeed placed itself under Heavenly Court, but that did not mean it had ceased to belong to Xuanmen.
Its allegiance to Heavenly Court had never been so simple. In truth, Zhenxiao Dao Sect served as a bridge between the Eastern Heaven Daoist Sect and Heavenly Court. Many matters difficult to discuss or carry out fell to it.
It was much like the two bodhisattvas of