The bamboo raft had been drifting above the clouds. At the sight of the dragon and tiger, it slowly sank beneath the clouds and descended toward Immortal Cauldron Mountain.
As soon as they reached the skies above Immortal Cauldron Mountain, someone came to receive them. A Daoist from Dragon-Tiger Mountain spotted the people seated on the bamboo raft from afar and announced loudly,
"Sect Master Lu of Three Pure Ones Mountain has arrived with his disciples!"
The guiding Daoist led the bamboo raft down onto a peak, and everyone disembarked.
"Sect Master Lu, the grand ceremony begins tomorrow. Please follow this humble Daoist to Purple Magpie Tower to stay the night."
Lu Duxing replied with a smile, "Please lead the way."
Thus, they took lodgings in a tall building constructed of purple timber, with magpies carved in relief on its doors, windows, beams, and pillars. The tower stood in a grove of spring plum trees. Blossoms dotted the branches, and their fragrance was at its richest.
After escorting the twenty-odd people from Three Pure Ones Mountain into the tower, their guide added,
"Sect Master Lu, honored Daoists, this mountain is called Yiting Mountain. Everyone staying here is a guest. There are fine dishes, hot springs, libraries, martial platforms, and more on the mountain. Please make yourselves at home."
"Thank you for the trouble."
The Daoist saluted and took his leave.
The elders went upstairs to rest. The disciples, all visiting Dragon-Tiger Mountain for the first time, arranged to look around together.
Zhu Jianrong, Zeng Jinian, and Xiao Miaoyu knew Cheng Xinzhan well and shared a life-and-death bond with him. They came to invite him out for a walk, bringing two others along.
"Xinzhan, Granduncle, let me introduce you."
Zhu Jianrong drew a young man over beside Cheng Xinzhan and said,