Xu Chengtong received the summons of guidance outside Yiluo Upper Continent and immediately rode that radiance to the Upper Layer. His two disciples, meanwhile, temporarily remained in the Inner Layer, to be brought up when the time was right.
Once the radiance dispersed, he found himself beneath stretches of magnificent flowering trees. Clear qi coursed through his entire body, filling him with such comfort that he could not help wanting to sit down and meditate at once.
He had not surveyed the surroundings for long when a flash of radiance passed, and Daoist Ming Zhou appeared. Giving him a cupped-hand salute, he said, "Profound Venerable Xu, I am Ming Zhou. By Zhang Tingzhi's order, I have come to receive you."
Xu Chengtong hurriedly returned the salute. "I would not dare. I must trouble Fellow Daoist Ming Zhou to guide the way."
Daoist Ming Zhou smiled and made a beckoning gesture. Before long, two flying carriages arrived amid peals of bells and landed directly before them.
After exchanging a few polite words, Xu Chengtong boarded one of the flying carriages and took a seat. Once it rose into the air, he tried to inquire of Daoist Ming Zhou about matters in the Upper Layer. Having received prior instructions, Daoist Ming Zhou told him all that he was permitted to disclose.
The flying carriage crossed above the sea of clouds for a long while before finally stopping before a Dao Palace shrouded in clear qi.
Xu Chengtong descended from the flying vessel, only to see Zhang Yu standing on the platform to greet him. He hurriedly bowed, saying in alarm, "How could I dare trouble Guardian of Rectitude to welcome me in person?"
Zhang Yu said, "Since Executive Xu began serving in the Guardian of Rectitude Palace, you have always been diligent