South of Qingqiu lay a vast lake, its misty waters stretching as far as the eye could see, rich with moisture, like an ocean.
Islands dotted the lake like scattered pearls. Most were clustered in the southwest, but in the northwest corner, an island shaped like a drop of water stood alone.
Under the flow of crimson moonlight, lush trees and grass covered the teardrop-shaped island. Buildings had been built along its slopes, winding and looping as misty moisture drifted around them like gauzy silk.
In front of the little building at the very top, the space rippled across the flat ground. In the blink of an eye, five figures appeared without a sound.
As Feng Rong's wide sleeves fluttered, an ancient cypress not far away swayed gently. Its lush branches and leaves rustled, releasing wisps of cypress fragrance into the vast sky, where they mingled with the lake's boundless expanse.
From the heights, distant mountains looked like dark-green ink strokes, and the water glittered. Beneath the high-hanging blood moon, the faint rustle of all things springing to life filled the world.
Feng Rong casually glanced around, then turned to Pei Ling and the other three. "This is where you will be staying."
"You are members of the Human Race."
"So your lodgings are some distance from where my people live."
"If you need anything, you can call my true name at any time."
"If there's nothing else... I'll take my leave."
As Feng Rong spoke, she glanced at Pei Ling and was about to depart gracefully. But Pei Ling immediately asked, "Senior Zisai, and the other senior from my race—where are they?"
At that, Feng Rong covered her mouth and chuckled. "It isn't dawn yet, so I can't tell you."
"Whatever you want to know, the clan leader will