Lu Changsheng traveled at great speed and arrived at Gourd Mountain in just a few hours.

The mountain owed its fame to the Gourd Immortal Sect that called it home, and the sect, in turn, owed its name to a gourd-shaped enchanted treasure said to protect the sect—a thing of miraculous and unfathomable power.

A mountain-guarding formation surrounded the sect's grounds. Rather than force his way through, Lu Changsheng stopped at its edge and called out, "Lu Changsheng of the Sacred Earth Heavenly Sect has come to pay a visit!" 

The echo of his shout had barely faded when a low hum answered him. The formation parted on its own, and a True One emerged.

"So it's the Venerable Lu himself, gracing us with his presence." The True One inclined his head, courteous. "Please, come in." 

"How should I address you, True One?" 

"My Dao name is Xuan Hu."

"So you are True One Xuanhu." Lu Changsheng asked nothing further and fell into step beside Xuan Hu, following him into the main hall. 

As Lu Changsheng stepped into the hall, he saw a crowd...