"With a matter of such importance, this humble cultivator dared not delay. I hurried here at once to report it."
Hong Tong lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead pressed against the cold jade tiles, pouring out everything on his mind.
He was a patrol inspector under the Dew-English Palace. Such a momentous event had happened in the Immortal Garden during his watch—how could he dare conceal it? After a hasty investigation, he had rushed over to make his report.
Hong Tong's position was lowly, not even counted among the proper immortal officials of the Grotto-Heaven. Had he not belonged to a collateral branch of the True Lord's bloodline, and shown some promise himself, even this post would never have fallen to him.
Though life in the Grotto-Heaven was pleasant and peaceful, it was also rigidly bound by rules. He was still young, and naturally unwilling to settle for his current lot.
Now that the matter had come upon him, he could not yet tell whether it would bring fortune or disaster, but at least it was an opportunity. Though apprehensive, he was willing to take the gamble.
"Oh?"
The Daoist seated above responded unhurriedly. Though it was a question, there was little surprise in the voice.
Jade-like fingers moved through a calculation, and the great hall fell silent at once.
Hong Tong hardly dared breathe. He merely kept his head bowed, quietly awaiting what would follow. Never had time seemed so long; every moment felt like torment.
At last, the figure on the seat laughed and spoke softly:
"All living beings have a path, yet a lone tree cannot bear the burden. So a fellow Daoist has deigned to entrust themselves to my Great Hua Heaven."
The Daoist stroked a long beard and intoned:
"The long winter must end;