"Uncle, have you had any free time lately?"
After discussing some details of his venture into the seas with True Person Baoyuan on Mount Qingyuan, the Daoist began contacting friends scattered throughout the world to settle those details and put them into practice. This was the last of them.
"Plenty, plenty. I am an Emperor of Nonaction who honors the Yellow Emperor and Laozi. I have free time at every moment."
The Yellow Sea Dragon Lord's leisurely laughter came through. He sounded in excellent spirits. "Something you need?"
"Yes, I have something to discuss with you, Uncle."
"Good! Will you come here, or do you need me to leave the palace?"
"I'll come over. I'll be there shortly."
"No! That won't do!"
The Dragon Lord's voice suddenly rose, and he hurried on, "This will be your first visit since becoming an immortal. Both affection and propriety demand that I bring out an honor guard and welcome you at sea. If you come right now, how will I have time? Is your business urgent? If not, come in a couple of days."
The Daoist laughed. "It is urgent. I'm already on my way. Why bother with empty ceremony between us, Uncle? Never mind an honor guard-don't even send anyone to meet me. I'll go straight into the inner palace."
"Well... all right. I'll have the imperial kitchens prepare some food and wine, then. I'll wait for you in the palace."
The Dragon Lord was not given to hollow courtesies either. He did not insist and readily agreed.
In the blink of an eye, the Daoist was at the bottom of the Yellow Sea, deep within the secluded inner precincts of the Dragon Palace.
The Dragon Lord Qingyang awaited him outside Funing Hall.
Funing Hall was the bedchamber of the emperor and