Before the words had even left his mouth, White Lotus Boy had already hurried forward to report, "The Demon Emperor's Tenth Prince from Wa Huang Palace has arrived."
Their gazes met, and both hearts tightened. What could Empress Nuwa intend by sending such an honored guest here? Forcing down their doubts, they looked up and saw a Daoist enter slowly behind the boy. He wore a Fish Tail Crown and a scarlet flame robe, with an ancient, strange face and long, drifting whiskers.
The Saint's discerning eyes saw through everything. The Tenth Prince's entire cultivation foundation was laid bare in an instant.
He stepped forward, bowed, and presented the jade document personally bestowed by Empress Nuwa with both hands. The two Sect Masters unrolled it and read closely. Their expressions abruptly changed, then they composed themselves and grew solemn. The Tenth Prince took it all in without revealing a trace of emotion. He merely lowered his eyes and stood quietly, awaiting their decision.
After a while, the two exchanged hushed words. Saint Zhunti suddenly threw back his head and laughed. "Very well! Since Her Majesty is willing to fulfill our Western grand design with such decisiveness, how could we be stingy? We shall certainly treat you generously, Fellow Daoist, and not fail in our charge!"
After further secret deliberation, delight appeared on the Tenth Prince's face, and he happily bade farewell to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The two Sect Masters also lifted the corners of their lips, their brows relaxing as they rarely revealed a trace of ease.
Suddenly, a streak of Departing Fire Rainbow Light split down from the heavens. It abruptly took shape at Pingding Mountain in the Central Plains, transforming into a black bird that beat its wings and flew straight toward the Shang lands.