Xu Yi had just begun to feel pleased when he heard a disturbance outside. He lifted the restriction, then heard someone call from beyond the door, "Sorry to trouble you. Please come with me to Sun Holding Peak to collect your entry token for tomorrow's visit to Yufu Palace."
From the voice, it was the attendant who had escorted him.
Xu Yi replied, "I'm not going. Just collect the token and bring it to me."
The attendant called back, "Please understand, honored guest: the token can only be issued in person. No one may collect it on your behalf. Tomorrow's gathering will be immense, with too many distinguished guests in attendance. We must be careful in every respect."
"Very well. I'll go with you."
Xu Yi then stepped outside.
Half a teacup later, he arrived at Sun Holding Peak. The green-clad attendant pointed to a palace chamber near the summit, its plaque reading "Star Plucking," and said, "Please go in on your own, honored guest. Someone inside will see to you. My status is too low to enter, so I can't accompany you. Please forgive me."
Xu Yi nodded, then darted toward the chamber. He released his spiritual sense as he moved, but detected nothing amiss.
As soon as he entered, an attendant respectfully pointed west, but did not escort him. Clearly, he had been ordered not to.
Xu Yi's sense of danger stirred. He continued onward, and as soon as he stepped through the main hall's entrance, a glint flashed in his eyes. Smiling, he said, "So the two of you were looking for me. You could have said so outright. Did you think I wouldn't accept your invitation? This sort of subterfuge hardly suits your status. You'll only make yourselves a laughingstock."
In the center of the hall,