Just as the white-robed elder was about to leave, he suddenly saw a cloud drifting through the eastern sky and frowned.
"Oh! Isn't that Taibai Venus?" The cloud floated over as it called out to the white-robed elder.
"Greetings, Immortal Zhenyuanzi." Taibai Venus hurriedly bowed.
Zhenyuanzi said, "Taibai Venus, what brings you to my Western Ox-He Continent? Won't you come to my place for a cup of tea?"
Taibai Venus said, "Immortal, I descended to the mortal realm to help His Majesty investigate the situation here. My official duties are not yet complete, so I would not dare slack off."
Zhenyuanzi stared at Taibai Venus with a faint, inscrutable smile. "Then Venus truly is a fine immortal wholly devoted to public duty."
The words sounded particularly grating to Taibai Venus, but he could only smile apologetically. He was no match for Zhenyuanzi.
"Don't be nervous. I merely came here to wander about and see whether there is anything interesting in the mortal world. Go attend to your business. When you have time, come to Azure Bright Mountain. I have a Daoist temple there."
Zhenyuanzi left.
Taibai Venus finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought Zhenyuanzi had somehow found the audacity to meddle in the affairs of the Heavenly Court, but it turned out he was merely there to watch the excitement.
"It seems I cannot leave casually for now. Whether Zhenyuanzi intervenes or not, I must remain here just in case." As Taibai Venus spoke, he headed toward Maitreya Buddha and the Barefoot Immortal in the distance.
"You two are certainly in high spirits, drinking tea and discussing the Dao again at night. I truly envy you."
Maitreya Buddha remained smiling pleasantly, while the Barefoot Immortal's expression shifted slightly upon seeing him, revealing his displeasure.
Within Spirit City,