d
Zhengqing left the east wing and entered the main hall where the City God statue stood amid offerings and incense. He bowed, then opened his soul‐binding scroll to a designated page. Removing the gourd's stopper, he intoned, "Into the netherworld you go—linger no more."
The firefly‐like light spiraled and vanished into the earth. As the ink on that page faded like it was washed away, Zhengqing snapped the scroll shut. "Done. Return to the east wing."
Outside, rain had paused; moonlight slipped through a cloud gap. Zhengqing spotted Ma Daozhang and Cui Shensi debating by a bronze censer.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Ma Daozhang sighed, "I received a talisman from Master Qingxuan of Emei. In seven days, a sect conference will convene atop the Golden Summit."
Cui Shensi brightened. "Excellent! Since the Isle of Taihu meeting, no gathering has matched this. A perfect chance to unite the sects."
Ma Daozhang stroked his beard. "I want you to attend with Zhengqing—make connections and give him exposure."
"But Qingxuan invited you," Cui Shensi objected. "Who will represent our Ma lineage if you stay?"
"I've lived reclusively for thirty years—few in the jianghu remember me. Though you're not surnamed Ma, you've mastered my art. I regard you as my heir. I've written Qingxuan explaining we'll send you."
Cui Shensi fell silent. Ma Daozhang added, "There's another reason: I've found no cure for your wife. This assembly of masters may yield a remedy."
Tears welled in Cui Shensi's eyes. "If only her fate were kinder…"
Ma Daozhang paced, silver hair in the night wind. "All Middle Kingdom arts have failed. Two options remain: Western occult methods—slim hope—or traveling to Miao territory, where ancient magic endures. Watch for emissaries of the hidden Sect of Indigo; their token is a jade‐green oriole emblem."
He handed his soul‐binding scroll to Cui Shensi. "Rest. I'll handle the underworld for a while."
Cui Shensi threw a fist to the ground in frustration. Ma Daozhang only smiled: "I'm resuming my old calling."
He turned to Zhengqing, producing a jade talisman and placing it around the youth's neck. "This has protected me for decades. Wear it for safety."
Cui Shensi protested, "Master's personal charm—how can you give it away?"
Ma Daozhang waved him off. "Zhengqing has been with me long enough—consider it a welcome gift."
The next dawn, Cui Shensi and Zhengqing climbed Emei Mountain at sunrise, dew still clinging to leaves. A distant temple bell heralded the new day.
As the sun rose, painting peaks gold, Cui Shensi recited a Song dynasty verse: "Clouds spread a world before me, the sun wheels through empty space." Zhengqing recognized poet Fan Chengda's lines and felt vigor surge.
Ahead, a purple‐robed youth's voice rang out: "I admire your learning, Master Cui."
Zhengqing looked up to see Qin Xiaoshuang, carriage‐elegant and composed. She bowed, "Your master is awaiting you on the Golden Summit. I've delivered Master Ma's talisman."
Cui Shensi smiled. "Lead the way."
They arrived at the copper‐gilded Samantabhadra Hall—known as the Golden Summit—its beams and doors all alloyed with gold, glinting in the sun.