Yuanshi Tianzun frowned, stroked his beard, and said, "A summons from the Dao Ancestor must concern matters of great importance. We should head there immediately." With these words, he stood up and smoothed out his slightly disheveled robes; the creases seemed like marks left by the passage of time. His eyes revealed a hint of solemnity, as if he sensed that the impending events were of extraordinary significance.
Laozi smiled faintly and said unhurriedly, "In that case, let us depart." He mounted his Green Ox, a creature from which an aura of auspiciousness radiated, its four hooves stepping firmly upon the ground. With a light wave of his whisk, the ox began to walk slowly toward Zixiao Palace, its pace steady and unflustered, as if no worldly change could disturb its composure. Laozi’s expression remained serene, as though everything were unfolding exactly as he had foreseen.
Daoist Zhunti was so anxious he was scratching his head and ears, his Seven-Treasured Wondrous Tree waving incessantly. "Oh, my, this truly makes one restless; who knows what the Dao Ancestor intends to say?" His face was etched with anxiety and his eyes betrayed an unease, as if he were worried about the unknown trials awaiting them. His body trembled slightly, as if bracing for an unpredictable test.
Chapter 156