Xuan Cheng was overjoyed. Suppressing the excitement and urgency in his heart, he cupped his hands toward Zhang Shuai once more in thanks.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, I am endlessly grateful for your great kindness. It's just... when would it be convenient for you to act? The Tianheng World has been broken for far too long, and its origin is draining away rapidly. I fear it... cannot hold on much longer. If we can act sooner, countless lives may yet be saved."
Zhang Shuai smiled faintly. "I can act at any time. I came to the market this time to seek the Dao and verify it through experience. This matter will also be a form of cultivation for me. If Fellow Daoist Xuan Cheng is ready, you may take me to the Tianheng World now."
"Now?" Xuan Cheng froze for a moment, then hurriedly said, "I'm ready! More than ready! Then, then we... set out at once?"
"That works." Zhang Shuai nodded calmly and rose to his feet.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, wait!" Seeing that the two were about to leave, Kun Ye Divine Venerable grew anxious. Forgetting all decorum, he urgently said, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, if... if you can restore the Tianheng World this time... could you also help me save my homeland, which stands on the brink of collapse? I... I am willing to pay any price!"
It was not only Kun Ye. The other two Divine Venerables who had also recently arrived feared falling behind and missing this sole lifeline. They hurriedly stood and deeply bowed to Zhang Shuai, earnestly making the same request.
Faced with their pleas, Zhang Shuai swept his calm gaze over Kun Ye and the others before saying slowly, "Please be patient, fellow Daoists. Once I have dealt with the Tianheng World and confirmed that