Led by Daoist Ming Shan, Zhang Yu entered the palace temple with him. From without, it resembled an immortal crane stretching its neck in a lofty cry, dancing in graceful flight; within, the great hall was open and bright, the hues of the lake and the light of the sky all reflected inside. Rippling gleams drifted across the jade floor.
The two walked all the way into the main hall and stopped before a jade platform carved with Cicada-Wing Patterns.
Daoist Ming Shan said, "Since Fellow Daoist has come seeking the Dao, I must first register your name here, then take you to pay respects to the Profound Chief."
He picked up a whisk from the platform and gave it a light sweep. "If Fellow Daoist has a Profound Jade, simply place it upon it. If not, an old registry will do as well."
Having said this, he stepped back two paces and yielded the jade platform to Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu raised his sleeve and took out his Profound Jade. He stepped forward and placed it upon the jade platform. Within the space of a breath, waves of bright light burst forth from it, while a ray of light also appeared within the Profound Jade.
After a short while, the light subsided.
Daoist Ming Shan gestured for Zhang Yu to retrieve the Profound Jade. He stepped forward. It should originally have contained a brief account of Zhang Yu's past experiences, yet there was no additional writing upon it now—only a seal mark.
He examined it, and surprise appeared on his face. Turning back, he asked, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, were you once a Profound Chief as well?"
Zhang Yu said, "Only an acting Profound Chief."
Daoist Ming Shan smiled. "Fellow Daoist is too modest. Travel between the various continents and