Shi Feiyang took Fire Wuhai, Deng Bagu, and Zhu Changyuan, along with Ling Hun couple and their two disciples, while Jiang Shu brought his three disciples. Together, they left the Yuan River and headed for Beijing.
Some matters still required cooperation from the mortal world, so he needed to speak with the emperor.
Rather than descend directly into the Forbidden City, he went to Primordial Yang Palace first.
Years ago, the Wanli Emperor had conferred the title of Nine Heavens Primordial Yang Perfected One upon him and allocated a substantial sum from the Imperial Treasury to build this palace. Over the years, the emperor had often come here to pray, hoping to see Shi Feiyang again. His wish had never been fulfilled, but young Daoists had remained here year-round, sweeping the grounds and keeping the incense burning.
Shi Feiyang had never visited the place himself. This time, he descended from the sky with everyone else and landed directly in the courtyard inside the main gate, giving the Daoists responsible for cleaning quite a fright.
None of them had ever seen Shi Feiyang, but at the sight of such an arrival, they cried out, "The Primordial Yang Perfected One has returned to the palace! The Primordial Yang Perfected One has returned!"
Jiang Shu asked, "Fellow Daoist Shi, you actually have a sanctuary in the Capital City? Don't tell me the emperor gave you an official appointment too?"
A middle-aged Daoist with graying hair and beard approached, surrounded by the others. He froze for a moment upon seeing Shi Feiyang, then hastily knelt and kowtowed, crying, "We respectfully welcome the Great Heavenly Venerable's sacred return to the palace!"
Primordial Yang Palace had seven successive courtyards, with a screen wall, ceremonial archways, ornamental pillars, a Bell Tower, and a drum tower—all the proper