Flying Bear Enters the Dream

Before long, the Spirit Terrace was completely finished.

This Spirit Terrace soared into the clouds, magnificent and imposing. From atop it, one could overlook the entirety of Western Qi City and clearly observe the changes in the heavens.

On the day the Spirit Terrace was completed, Ji Chang was in high spirits. He led the civil and military officials up the terrace, held a banquet in celebration, and rejoiced with his ministers as they admired the flourishing sights of Western Qi. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the feast, and all was peaceful and harmonious.

By the time the banquet ended, it was already deep into the night.

The civil and military officials all rested in the side halls beneath the Spirit Terrace. Ji Chang, meanwhile, had a brocade couch set up atop the terrace and intended to rest there for the night. The next day, he would officially begin using the Spirit Terrace to observe the heavens.

At the third watch of the night, when all was silent, Ji Chang gradually fell asleep.

In the haze of his dreams, he suddenly saw fierce winds rising in the southeast, roaring toward him and sweeping dust across the sky. Then, a white-browed tiger abruptly appeared. Wings sprouted from its flanks; it was agile in form, its eyes gleaming with savage light, and it lunged straight into his tent with terrifying force.

Ji Chang was so frightened that his soul nearly fled his body. He hurriedly shouted for his attendants to come and protect him.

But at that moment, a deafening boom suddenly came from behind the Spirit Terrace. Flames shot into the sky, illuminating the entire night, while thick smoke billowed upward into the clouds.

"Ah—!" Ji Chang jolted awake from his dream, drenched in cold sweat, his robes soaked through. His