Part - 1

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:55:02 +0000

The sun hung low over the peaks of Cloud Recesses, its golden light diffused gently by the wispy clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The mountain breeze stirred the pine trees and made the long, drying laundry lines flutter like banners in a slow, silent procession. For once, Cloud Recesses was quieter than usual—not because of the Lan sect’s strict rules, but because most of the junior disciples were away on a week-long excursion to the outer provinces. Only a few elders remained, tucked deep in study or meditation.