The Wind Tribulation Arrived

Morning.

Outside the great hall, the pale dawn light cast a chill over the jade steps.

Elder Yao descended the steps with her eyes lowered, her wide sleeves stirring gently in the mountain wind.

She walked more slowly than she had on the way in, as though every step bore the weight of the years.

"Elder Yao."

Elder Xuanqing's voice came from behind her, gentle, with a barely perceptible sigh.

Elder Yao stopped, turned slowly, and cupped her hands. "Grand Elder."

Elder Xuanqing stood where light met shadow outside the hall doors, the mountain wind stirring his white robes.

His gaze rested on Elder Yao. Eyes that had seen a thousand years could easily discern the fading vitality beneath her elder's robes: a sign that her lifespan was nearing its end.

"You've been with the Mysterious Heaven Sect for two hundred years now, haven't you?" Elder Xuanqing's voice carried a distant memory.

Elder Yao nodded faintly, wrinkles gathering at the corners of her eyes. "I'm surprised you still remember, Elder Xuanqing."

"Of course I do." Elder Xuanqing looked toward the distant mountains, where mist drifted slowly across the peaks. "I was still a steward when you joined the sect. Within a hundred years, you became an elder. Back then, we all thought—"

The rest of his words dissolved into the mountain wind.

Some things needed no saying. Some roads simply came to an end as one walked them.

Elder Xuanqing looked back at her, something flickering deep in his eyes. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

He asked so softly, as though afraid to disturb something.

Elder Yao gave the faintest smile and shook her head. "Thank you for your kindness, Elder Xuanqing. With the time I have left, I'd like to walk quietly and see the