Three years passed quietly, like flowing water.
In the Western Country, above the dome of Dog Demon City, a palace unknown to the world hovered in the air.
Its steps were white jade, its tiles colored glaze. Amid the curling clouds and mist, the upturned eaves could be faintly seen poking out from the sea of clouds, like the back of some sleeping giant beast.
This was the current Sky City, Chiyo's residence.
Morning light pierced the clouds, dyeing the entire city a faint gold.
In the largest bedchamber in the city, Chiyo sat leaning against the soft couch by the window, an ancient book in his hand. His scarlet eyes were half-lidded, as if he was reading, and as if he was dozing.
White hair fell like snow, loose over his shoulders, while a black robe draped loosely around his slender body.
Outside the window, the sea of clouds surged. Now and then, a few spirit birds slipped through the clouds, leaving behind a string of clear cries.
"Chiyo..."
A clear voice came from outside the hall, followed by a rush of hurried footsteps.
Liuli ran in from outside, her skin glowing faintly in the morning light, her golden eyes bright as stars.
She held a food box in her hands, ran up to Chiyo, and crouched down in front of him, panting.
"I made new pastries. Try them!"
Chiyo glanced at her, his gaze falling on the food box.
"What filling?"
"Red bean!"
Liuli smiled so wide her eyes curved into crescents.
"I spent all day working on them yesterday and finally made them not too sweet or greasy!"
Chiyo reached out, picked one up, and took a bite.
"How is it? How is it?"
Liuli looked at him eagerly.
"Not bad."
Liuli puffed out her cheeks.
"'Not