Morning dew clung to the leaves of the Spirit Plantings lining both sides of the Bluestone Slab path, refracting specks of light beneath the sun.
Ling Zhuzi looked around curiously as he walked, his gaze glued to the exotic flowers and rare grasses, yet his steps never slowed.
A Thatched Cottage appeared in view, looking no different from an ordinary mortal's home.
Yet Ling Zhuzi could sense that the aura emanating from those few Thatched Cottages was as heavy as a mountain pressing against his chest, making even breathing somewhat difficult.
In the clearing before the Thatched Cottages sat a young Daoist cross-legged.
His snow-white hair draped over his shoulders, yet his handsome face bore not the slightest trace of age. His skin was as lustrous as fine mutton-fat jade, and though his brows and eyes were gentle, they carried a detached air that made others afraid to look directly at him.
Faint Yin-Yang Qi lingered around him, black and white intertwined like mist and gauze.
A pitch-black Alchemy Furnace floated before him. It had three legs and two handles, its body etched with patterns of the sun, moon, and stars. Pale blue flames silently danced beneath it like a flower blooming in the void.
Laozi lifted his eyelids, his gaze falling upon Ling Zhuzi, and the corner of his mouth curved into the faintest smile.
"Ah, a young friend from Wa Huang Palace. There is no need to be nervous. Sit and speak."
Ling Zhuzi carefully performed a salute, then hurriedly pulled out a Jade Slip and the Creation Whip from his robes.
"Empress asked Fairy Miao Heng to help look at someone."
White Crane Boy accepted the Jade Slip and Creation Whip, then handed them over to Laozi.
Laozi took the Jade Slip in his hand and closed