The Third Heaven, in the southeastern skies.
White Jade Capital, Peacock City.
Peacock City clearly attached particular importance to Cheng Xinzhan's arrival; Qian Boya must have warned them in advance. When Cheng Xinzhan arrived, a vast throng of the Qian Clan was already waiting at the gates. The entire western gate had been temporarily closed off, and ceremonial musicians and dancers, along with auspicious birds drawing carriages, came out to welcome him. The procession stretched for a hundred li or more, a magnificent spectacle.
"City Lord, there really is no need for such ceremony."
Cheng Xinzhan turned to Qian Boya as he spoke.
Qian Boya smiled. "Please think nothing of it, Grand Master. These are merely the basic courtesies. This counts as your first formal visit, after all, so we ought to make it a grand occasion. Once you visit more often, we can dispense with these formalities."
Cheng Xinzhan had no choice but to follow the Qian Clan's arrangements. Surrounded by people and ceremonial music, he rode the carriage over the western part of Peacock City and descended directly into the City Lord's residence at its center.
It was still night, the liveliest time in White Jade Capital. Countless people in the city witnessed the scene, and who knew how many young talents sighed inwardly:
A true man should live like that!
Seated in the carriage, Cheng Xinzhan repeatedly impressed upon Qian Boya beside him that there must be no welcoming banquet when they arrived, nor any need to arrange separate lodgings. All he needed was a quiet, spacious place to lecture on the Dao. Nor did he need any further rest. He asked Qian Boya to settle on the participants for the discussion quickly so they could begin as soon as possible.
Seeing his determination, Qian Boya could