The next day, at the hour of the Dragon.
Chen Heng emerged from meditation. After regulating his breathing, he pushed open the door and left the quiet chamber.
Outside, a Feather-Robed Youth happened to have arrived to greet him. After exchanging courtesies, Chen Heng followed him through halls and rooms.
When they reached the Main Hall, Ding Hэpu was already seated on a cloud couch, smiling.
Behind him, two attendants each held a Golden Canopy inscribed with stars, constellations, the sun, and the moon. Their light was so clear and brilliant that one could not look directly at them.
Yellow clouds covered the chamber, purple qi filled the courtyard, and luminous vapors shone like stars. Nine-colored rosy clouds drifted hazily-a true abode of immortals beyond the mortal world!
"This disciple greets you, True Lord."
Chen Heng entered the hall and bowed.
"No need for ceremony."
Ding Hэpu smiled faintly. Without further words, he bent a finger and struck the Jade Chime in the center of the table. The two attendants behind him immediately understood. Chanting incantations, they gently shook their Golden Canopies.
In moments.
Celestial music murmured, mist spread over the ground, and auspicious light and rosy clouds filled the air.
Once the wondrous spectacle faded, an object floated down from each Golden Canopy. Ding Hэpu raised his hand slightly and supported them above his palm.
Chen Heng looked over.
They were a Nine-Orifice Treasure Pearl spilling fiery radiance and a Secret-Inscription Great Register some three inches tall.
While he wondered, Ding Hэpu turned his palm over. The pearl and register flew down from the lofty cloud couch like weary birds returning to the woods, coming to circle Chen Heng at an unhurried pace.
"Cultivating swordsmanship demands the utmost concentration, with every thought devoted to the Dao, allowing no outside