Nine Immortals Mountain was wreathed in clouds and mist, its pines and cranes evergreen, the thousand-year immortal peak untouched by worldly dust.
Within Peach Garden Cave, Guang Chengzi sat upright on a meditation cushion, his eyes closed in quiet repose. A vast pure aura surrounded him; he had long sensed the disturbance in the clouds beyond the heavens.
Before Yang Jian could knock at the cave entrance, Guang Chengzi spoke, his voice carrying beyond the cave. "Is that Yang Jian of Jade Spring Mountain outside? Since you have reached the mountain gate, enter."
Yang Jian's heart tightened at his words. He withdrew his cloud-light, straightened his robes, and entered the cave. Kneeling respectfully, he bowed. "This junior, Yang Jian, pays respects to Martial Uncle Guang Chengzi!"
Guang Chengzi slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was clear and profound, as though it had seen through all the vicissitudes of the world. He asked calmly, "Why have you come all the way to my Nine Immortals Mountain instead of assisting Jiang Ziya in the Western Qi army to punish Zhou in accordance with Heaven's will? Have you come because of my unworthy disciple, Yin Jiao?"
The question struck directly at the heart of the matter. Yang Jian did not dare conceal anything. Rising to his feet, he reported solemnly, "Martial Uncle's insight is keen. Your disciple Yin Jiao descended the mountain on Master's orders. He should have assisted a worthy ruler, followed Heaven's will and the people's wishes, and aided King Wu in his campaign against Zhou. Yet he has gone against the tide, betrayed Master's command, and stubbornly defended Yin Shang. Armed with the two supreme treasures, the Soul-Seizing Bell and the Heaven-Overturning Seal, he has defied the course of events to block our Great Zhou army. He has defeated many