Zhang Yu halted the instant he saw the fiery gleam flash toward him. The Heartlight Seal slowly rose from his body, encircling and protecting him.
Yet after drawing near, the fiery gleam wheeled away. In the distance, a dashing, handsome Daoist with a sword on his back emerged and cupped his hands to him. "Junior Brother, have you been well since we last met?"
Zhang Yu raised his sleeve in return salute. "Senior Brother, what brings you here?"
Tao Dingfu smiled. "Junior Brother, I recently heard about your affairs and learned that you had received the Profound Court's summons and taken up the post of Profound Commissioner. I thought I might come and lend you a hand or two."
Zhang Yu did not stand on ceremony. "I do happen to need Senior Brother's assistance here."
Tao Dingfu laughed. "Then it seems I came at the right time."
Zhang Yu glanced around. "Senior Brother, let us find a secluded place to talk."
Tao Dingfu's expression turned solemn. "Very well."
The entire city of Peaceful Longevity City was woven into the natural mountains and waters. Even the countryside surrounding it was breathtakingly scenic, with more than ten lakes encircling the city, all linked by rivers. From the sky, the rippling reflections resembled pearls strung together by silver chains.
The two landed before a lakeside pavilion. A flock of waterfowl startled up from the reeds, flapping noisily into the air.
Zhang Yu found a level patch of ground and swept his sleeve. A low table and meditation cushions appeared before them, with tea caddies and a complete tea set laid out atop the table.
Tao Dingfu glanced at the small pouch hanging at his waist and said with a touch of envy, "The Purple-Gold Pouch was bestowed by the Profound Court, was it