After Zhang Yu returned to the upper layer, Daoist Ming Zhou was already waiting there. He gave him a clasped-hands salute and said:
"Greetings, Guardian of Rectitude. The Profound Court has investigated and determined that several gateways connecting to the lower layer appear to have just been opened. The Guardian of Rectitude and the various Profound Venerables must close those rifts together and purge the alien gods and invading enemies that have crossed into the inner layer through them. Guardian of Rectitude, you may proceed to the Radiant Wonder Dao Palace. Executive Zhong is currently calculating their whereabouts, and should soon learn the specific locations."
Zhang Yu nodded. "I understand. Fellow Daoist Ming Zhou, please lead the way."
Daoist Ming Zhou bowed slightly and summoned a Flying Celestial Maiden to bring down a carriage. The two then boarded it and flew toward the Radiant Wonder Dao Palace.
The flying carriage raced through the sea of clouds for a quarter of an hour before descending before a Dao palace wreathed in flying rainbows and auspicious clouds.
A Dao attendant was already waiting outside the palace gates. He came forward, gave Zhang Yu a clasped-hands salute, and said, "Are you Guardian Zhang? Please follow this child."
As he led Zhang Yu inside, he said, "His Excellency has received the Profound Court's decree and is presently unraveling the heavenly secrets. He cannot temporarily spare himself to come greet the Guardian of Rectitude. Please do not take offense."
Zhang Yu said, "It is of no consequence."
After passing along water bridges, cloud paths, golden pools, and rainbow corridors, the two arrived in the main hall. There, Daoist Zhong sat within the hall with an instrument dial beneath his hand, seemingly concentrating on calculating something.
At this moment, he too sensed someone's arrival. Drawing his