Several days later, on the Floating Cloud Platform in the Que Luo Immortal Abode.
The disciple on duty welcomed Fu Qing, who had come at the summons, into the courtyard and told him, "The Old Ancestor has ordered that Disciple Fu Qing may enter on his own."
Fu Qing nodded. "Thank you, Senior Sister."
Then he strode forward and entered the Fragrant Incense Pavilion where Li Ling resided.
The courtyard opened up before him. Springs seemed to flow, and floral fragrance wafted toward him. Every scene revealed secluded chambers with worlds of their own, filled with the spirit resonance of an immortal dwelling.
Fu Qing had no mind to admire them. Following his senses, he stepped inside and suddenly felt heaven and earth turn upside down, the cosmos shift its bearings, as he arrived somewhere like an Otherworldly Grotto-Heaven.
He saw Li Ling sitting cross-legged in midair atop a giant flower resembling an orchid of the secluded valley. Fragrance drifted around him, filling the entire world with an indescribable aura of spiritual wisdom.
Behind Li Ling's head, Fu Qing saw what seemed to be a suspended seven-colored radiance, a halo like that of an immortal or buddha proclaiming supreme sanctity. He involuntarily lowered his head in reverence and prostrated himself, offering a heartfelt greeting. "Fu Qing of the Incense-Burning Gate, a tenth-generation true disciple of the Incense Accumulation Sect, pays his respects to the Old Ancestor. May you enjoy immortal blessings forever and live as long as heaven itself."
Li Ling smiled faintly and made a lifting gesture. "Rise."
"Thank you, Old Ancestor." Fu Qing stood, excitement and apprehension mingling on his face.
Ever since Li Ling had stepped down as sect master and withdrawn behind the scenes, the true disciples of later generations had fewer and fewer opportunities to