Before long, immortal music abruptly rose from the horizon, clear melodies soaring and lingering. Unusual fragrance drifted through the air, cloudlike and misty, slowly descending from the nine heavens.
Everyone pushed open the doors and looked up—
Primordial Lord of Heaven sat upright within the Nine Dragons Incense Carriage, with White Crane Boy leading the way ahead. Behind him, immortal maidens held plain screens, while Golden Boy bore jade cups. Immortal light surged and ebbed like an ocean tide; cranes cried with crystalline clarity, their calls lingering endlessly around the rafters. In midair, auspicious radiance wove itself into brocade, heavenly flowers scattered down like rain, and golden lotuses blossomed across the earth, gleaming brilliantly.
The Three Treasures Jade Ruyi rested in the Heavenly Venerate's hand. Wherever its jade light swept, golden flowers cascaded like a waterfall, immortal music drifted on without end, and pure Dao resonance cleansed the soul, piercing directly through the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.
"Immeasurable Heavenly Venerate, Jade Clarity Primordial Beginning!"
The disciples had long since formed ranks outside the reed shelter. They all dropped to their knees as one, chanting in a thunderous roar, "Master above! May grandmaster enjoy eternal longevity!"
Primordial Lord of Heaven slightly opened his eyes and swept his gaze over the crowd. With a light flick of his sleeve, he said, "Dispense with the formalities. Rise."
At his command, everyone rose and respectfully ushered the Heavenly Venerate into the reed shelter.
Once the Heavenly Venerate was seated, Immortal Official Nanji hurried forward and bowed deeply. "Reporting to master: Daoist Duobao of the Interception Sect has set up the Zhu Xian Sword Formation at Jiepai Pass. This disciple led the fellow brothers to probe the formation, but we were defeated and forced back... I beg master, who leads the sect, to punish