Azure Ox snatched the wine jar from Yellow Dragon's hand, took a small sip, then shot him a look as if he were an idiot. "I was a mount back then. Where else was Master supposed to sit?"
"Besides, turning into human form just to eat grass again—wouldn't that be sick in the head?"
Yellow Dragon asked again, "Then why are you in human form now?"
Azure Ox shook the wine jar in his hand and said dully, "Are you stupid? Of course it's more convenient for drinking!"
Yellow Dragon had no answer. He merely took out another jar and tossed it to Azure Ox before turning to lightly knock on the gates of the Supreme Pure Palace.
He respectfully saluted. "This disciple, Yellow Dragon, requests an audience with Eldest Uncle-Master!"
A moment later, the gates slowly opened.
Yellow Dragon stepped into the palace at an unhurried pace. It was even more serene within. Only an enormous pill furnace in the center slowly revolved, flames surging inside it, yet not a trace of pill fragrance could be smelled.
The Supreme Pure Sage sat cross-legged on a cushion before the furnace. The void around him seemed fused with his figure; he could be seen, yet not the slightest aura could be sensed.
Yellow Dragon stepped forward and kowtowed. "This disciple, Yellow Dragon, pays respects to Eldest Uncle-Master. This disciple has completed the task Eldest Uncle-Master assigned and has come to report back."
He took out the Soul-Scattering Gourd left behind by Hongyun's true spirit and respectfully presented it.
"The purple-gold gourd containing Senior Hongyun's true spirit had already returned. This disciple... this disciple failed to catch up, which delayed me somewhat. That is why I have only returned now!"
Laozi slowly opened his eyes. Within them, it seemed as though all