The Peach Garden had once again reached its season of bumper ripeness. The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother were discussing plans to hold a grand Peach Banquet, inviting all the Immortal Beings of the Myriad Worlds and the disciples of the Saints of the Daoist Sect to the Jade Pool.
In Tongming Hall, the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother sat side by side on a cloud platform, looking down over the flourishing landscape of the Immortal Dao. The Jade Emperor sighed softly. "The Immortal Dao is thriving, which should be cause for joy. Yet these days, eight or nine out of every ten officials throughout the Heavenly Court are disciples of the Three Teachings' Saints. Toward me, the Co-Lord of the Three Realms, they merely go through the motions and treat me with indifference. Is that not enough to chill one's heart?"
Seeing this, the Queen Mother gently comforted him. "Your Majesty, do not worry. The Dao Ancestor personally bestowed a jade edict upon you, conferring the title of Supreme Sovereign of the Three Realms. This destiny has long been engraved into the foundations of the Heavenly Dao. No one can alter it, and no one dares shake it."
The Jade Emperor's eyes brightened at once. He slapped his palm and laughed. "That's right! The Dao Ancestor stands behind me—hahaha!"
The Queen Mother smiled. Her thoughts stirred, and she began divining with her fingers, her smile growing warmer. "The three thousand six hundred Spirit Peach trees in the Peach Garden will soon be fully ripe. Why not send invitations far and wide, Your Majesty, and hold an unprecedented Peach Banquet? Let the Myriad Worlds all see the bearing and majesty of our Heavenly Court."
The Jade Emperor clapped and laughed heartily. "Wonderful! As expected of Your Ladyship, with eyes as