The two of them chatted for half an incense stick's time. Shao Yong could no longer stand the greasy air hanging around them. After answering Xu Yi's questions, he left. In the blink of an eye, the day of departure arrived. As expected, Sect Master Zhang Daohan didn't come out to see him off. Instead, Shao Yong, acting on Zhang Daohan's behalf, saw the arrangements through.
The arrangements amounted to little more than providing a Starry Sky Boat and six attendants. All six were Inner Sect Disciples who had received rigorous training, each specializing in a major aspect of the ceremonial proceedings. After all, an offering on a scale that came around once every ten years couldn't consist of nothing but Profound Yellow Pills. The proper formalities were essential.
Shao Yong handed him a Sumeru Ring and instructed him to protect it with his life. It contained a full three hundred thousand Profound Yellow Pills, sealed inside a storage box engraved with an Ancient Formation. The Sumeru Ring held that very jade box. When Xu Yi heard the number, he nearly got the idea to abscond with the treasure.
Shao Yong patted him on the shoulder. "Now you know just how heavy the burden on your shoulders is, kid. Do a good job. With Martial Uncle Ji riding the tailwind of his promotion, if you can win yourself a grand prize, maybe your Senior Brother here can bask in your glory, too." Bearing Shao Yong's fond hopes, Xu Yi set off.
Half a day later, the Starry Sky Boat reached Yun Jing Immortal Palace, a vast palace floating among the clouds in the void. They said Yun Jing Palace had thirty-six great halls, one hundred and eight smaller halls, and more pavilions and towers than anyone could count. Though it