As the Peach Banquet drew to a close,
the two lotus lamps beside the Jade Pool were still burning steadily.
Immortals of every stripe headed toward the Southern Heavenly Gate with their arms around one another's shoulders.
Wen Ning helped Lu Ming back to the Thunder Department office and settled him in.
He was just about to say goodbye to his godfather and return to the mortal world,
but Wen Zhong stopped him in the corridor.
"Wen Ning, don't rush off yet. There's something I need to tell you."
Wen Zhong stood at the office door. Despite having had a few drinks, his complexion had barely changed.
"The Queen Mother even praised you at this year's Peach Banquet. Things have been unsettled in the mortal world lately. Spiritual energy has been fluctuating more often than in previous years, and the monsters have been more active than usual. Keep a closer eye on things when you get back."
Wen Ning nodded earnestly.
"I'll remember, Godfather."
Wen Zhong looked at him, his lips moving as though he wanted to offer a few more words of encouragement. In the end, he merely raised a hand and gave the back of Wen Ning's head a moderate pat.
"All right, off you go. The Peach Banquet's over."
Having heard Wen Zhong finish, Wen Ning was about to leave,
when a sudden patter of footsteps sounded behind him.
A celestial maiden approached from the far end of the corridor. She was the same one who had relayed the Queen Mother's message at the Peach Banquet. She addressed Wen Ning.
"Heavenly Official Wen, please wait. Her Majesty requests your presence."
Wen Ning froze for a moment. What does the Queen Mother want with me?
He turned to look at Wen Zhong.
Wen Zhong was curious too, but