Night fell, and the Bamboo Abode blazed with light.
Han Ju led the man and woman before Daoyinzi and cupped his hands. "Since Senior Brother's disciple has other pressing matters, let's forget our earlier agreement. But your Junior Brother is now caught deep in worldly affairs and tangled in a troublesome affair. In a few years, I may have to ask Senior Brother for help."
Dao Yin frowned, but could hardly say more. His side was plainly in the wrong this time.
Once Han Ju and his companions had left, Yan Yin Zi descended on a cloud.
"Senior Brother, I heard Han Ju is leaving?"
His voice reached the room before he did.
Dao Yin nodded. "Yes. Apparently, some Duke of Jin in Zhou besieged Luoyang and returned empty-handed. Undercurrents are stirring throughout the kingdom, and the lineages of his two disciples are caught up in it. They're all in a hurry to return."
"That's more like it. He chases worldly power and privilege, yet still wants to come to Great Hua Mountain for an Immortal Opportunity. His greed knows no bounds. Mortals can scheme and struggle all they like, but it always comes down to the same petty things..." Yan Yin Zi let out a long breath, then shook his head with a show of lament.
Dao Yin's voice sank. "Do you know what he said before he left? In times like these, if we get involved..."
Yan Yin Zi grew less and less willing to interrupt. He merely smiled awkwardly.
As Daoyinzi spoke, his brow suddenly furrowed. He broke off, counted on his fingers, and frowned more deeply still.
Yan Yin Zi quickly asked, "Senior Brother, has something happened?"
"I sensed something just now," Daoyinzi said. "It seems Master Soaring has encountered danger."
"Master Soaring has a Dao