The words spoke, and Venus led the True Lord Jin Xing to enter the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, advancing all the way before the Jade Emperor, and bowed in salute.
Venus reported, “I bring the imperial decree, went to the Doushuai Palace and successfully invited True Lord Guangxin. Now that the True Lord is present, I come to deliver the decree.”
The True Lord bowed and said, “I am honored by Your Majesty’s summons and have come at once.”
The Jade Emperor lowered the curtain and said, “I have heard that the True Lord is close to attaining the Great Dao and has opened a mansion in the Slanting Moon Three Stars Cave. This pleases my heart greatly. Yet the affairs of the Three Realms are pressing; I regret that I have been unable to greet you in person.”
The True Lord replied, “Though Your Majesty has not come in person, your meaning has long been clear to me. It is by Your Majesty’s grace that the immortals of the realms were permitted to descend and congratulate me, even celestial beings offered gifts. How could I not know Your Majesty’s intent?”
The Jade Emperor smiled and said, “Come closer.”
The True Lord had already arrived before the alchemical steps; one step further would be to the throne itself.