East Sea, outside Golden Turtle Island.
Sea Fog hung heavy over the Three Steles.
Half their stone bodies lay submerged in the waves. Water slapped against them again and again, like someone beating a drum in the darkness.
The Antarctic Immortal stopped beyond the Three Steles.
He had brought neither White Crane Boy nor any Jade Emptiness disciples. Alone, he stood upon Yuqing Immortal Light, gazing from afar at Golden Turtle Island's Mountain Gate.
The disciple guarding the mountain saw him and immediately headed into the island.
Soon, word reached the front of Biyou Palace.
"The Antarctic Immortal has arrived."
"He specifically asked to see Senior Disciple Brother."
Holy Mother Guiling gave a cold laugh.
"White Crane had just apologized outside Kunlun Mountain's Mountain Gate. What has he come for now?"
Holy Mother Jinling rested her hand on her sword's scabbard. The blade trembled lightly.
Daoist Duobao looked beyond the island, his brow furrowing.
"He stopped outside the Three Steles. He has observed every courtesy."
Holy Mother Guiling looked at him.
"You're speaking up for him?"
Duobao shook his head.
"That is precisely what worries me."
Silence fell before the hall for a moment.
Zhao Xuan took the Jade Slip offered by the mountain-guarding disciple.
There were only a few lines on it.
The Antarctic Immortal of Jade Emptiness, acting under Yuqing's decree, wishes to speak with Zhao Xuan of Shangqing concerning the incident at the Chaoge-Xiqi Outer Relay Station.
Not representing Xiqi.
Not leading an envoy.
Not altering Shang's orders.
Seeking only the truth.
Zhao Xuan finished reading and closed the Jade Slip.
"I'll see him."
With that, he walked toward the island's edge.
Duobao, Jin Ling, Wudang, Gui Ling, Zhao Gongming, and the Three Xiao Sisters accompanied him.
Golden Turtle Island's Mountain Gate was not thrown open.
Zhao