Jiuli, where mountains soared, forests grew dense, and the climate blazed hot.
Slender waterfalls hung along both sides of the gorge, a thousand cascades gathering vapor into clouds and mist.
After colossal trees toppled, they spanned the gorge as tree bridges. Wooden houses and villages stood atop the thick bridges. The view skimmed past waterfalls clinging to the cliff walls, droplets splashing across the lens before sliding away. It pierced the vast mist, passed beneath the sturdy tree bridge, then wheeled around into the sky above the village.
Looking down, one could see several ancient trees rooted in the tree bridge, growing within the old village.
Through gaps in the old trees' branches and leaves, Jiuli tribespeople and many half-dragon folk could be seen in the village.
A little yellow dog joyfully chased butterflies. Children ran toward the pigsty with baskets full of fresh grass on their backs. A great water buffalo flicked its tail to drive away flies as it slowly returned to the village with a curious calf.
The tallest wooden building in the village.
Mu Duo sat by the window, gazing at the mist filling the gorge, lost in thought.
The wooden stairs behind her creaked, and a woman who appeared to be in her forties came upstairs and respectfully bowed to Mu Duo.
"Holy Maiden, the priests have all refused the alliance. Also... six more villages have chosen to abandon the Divine Dragon totem."
After speaking, the woman realized that the Holy Maiden had not moved at all, still staring out the window.
After a moment of silence.
"Birds can freely choose which tree to nest in. Every person has their own aspirations; they cannot be forced. It is only... I fear I cannot keep the promise made to Bai."
Just then, more and more people