Deep within the sea of clouds of the Clear Vault, inside the Golden Court Dao Palace, Administrator Chong was seated in meditation. Gentle streams of golden light behind him illuminated the heavens, blooming into all manner of rosy splendor.
After a while, his mind returned to his body. He calculated for some time longer, then sent a streak of golden light toward the great cauldron below the steps.
Shortly after, the figure of a Daoist formed from gathered radiant qi appeared there.
Administrator Chong looked over and made a Daoist salute from his seat. "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Changsun."
The Daoist replied in an indifferent voice, "What do you want with me?"
Administrator Chong said, "At the next court deliberation, Administrator Dai will likely come to discuss matters before the court. There will also be one more Turbid Canon Administrator. I hope Fellow Daoist Changsun will attend the deliberative court as well."
The Daoist appeared utterly uninterested. "By the rules of court deliberation, even if the Turbid Canon side gains another person, it will not affect the overall situation. Whether I come or not makes no difference."
Administrator Chong heard the refusal in his words and did not press him further. He merely said, "Fellow Daoist need not come this time, but you must show yourself at the one after that. It concerns the great matter we have planned, and we should avoid any unexpected developments."
The Daoist simply replied, "Understood."
Administrator Chong then said, "Though the matter of Qingyang failed, it was not your fault. Besides, we obtained what we wanted in the end. Looking at the overall situation, it was no more than a minor setback. Once our plan is accomplished, we can fulfill our wishes."
The Daoist said nothing more. He merely nodded slightly to him, and his