Seeing Li Yuan so solemn, the others said no more and withdrew in acknowledgment.
Meanwhile.
After the ceremony to send off the deity ended, many daoists began packing their belongings, preparing to return to their daoist sects or continue wandering under heaven. Daoist Chen, Min Shu, Yuan Tiangang, and the others all came to the palace to pay their respects to Verdant Green Maiden.
"I can understand Daoist Chen and Daoist Min leaving, but you're leaving too?"
Verdant Green Maiden was somewhat puzzled to see Yuan Tiangang among them.
Yuan Tiangang smiled. "Your Majesty invited me here in the first place to see that Goddess off. Now that she has left Chang'an, and there is a new Heavenly Maiden here, there is truly nothing for this Poor Daoist to do by staying. I think it would be better to continue wandering under heaven and temper myself! Perhaps one day, I may even attain the Dao?"
"Attaining the Dao is hardly so easy."
Verdant Green Maiden smiled.
Over these thousand years, she had no idea how many people she had seen who wished to cultivate and attain the Dao. Li Ji, the maiden who slew the serpent, and the Liu Clan sisters—were they not all the same? Yet not one had succeeded to this day.
Yuan Tiangang smiled as well. "Still, one must give it a try."
"Fine. I won't stop you."
Verdant Green Maiden nodded.
Before leaving, Yuan Tiangang added, "Oh, this Poor Daoist has suddenly remembered something. I ask the Heavenly Maiden to take great care."
"What is it?"
Verdant Green Maiden asked.
"Your Majesty is using the name of the Shunde Heavenly Maiden to stand in for the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden, but the Qing Xiao Jade Maiden is a true Immortal. Heavenly Maiden, please act within your