Night had deepened.
Light snow began to drift down from the sky once more.
Ever since winter arrived, it had been like this everywhere in the mortal realm; the snow rarely stopped.
If not for the emergence of Taiping Pills, who knew how many people would have been buried in this cruel winter.
The clouds above were thick and heavy, but if one passed through them and ascended higher, one would see the bright lunar star hanging above the sea of clouds.
Ordinary people found it impossible to reach. Even among the gods filling the heavens, those fortunate enough to set foot upon the lunar star were few and far between.
Looking out, one saw—
Cold clouds and clear radiance wound around the moon cassia; jade splendor congealed into frost, forming an emerald stream.
Apart from the murmuring emerald stream, only the jade-white branches and leaves of the moon cassia collided, producing crisp, tinkling chimes.
Three moon cassia fruits hung from its branches, while six flower buds beside them stood on the verge of blooming.
The moon cassia had been born bearing the Lunar Dao of heaven and earth, and was the Lunar Star Lord's companion spirit.
At most, nine fruits could exist upon the tree at once. Only after they were picked would more grow again.
Moreover, the efficacy of picked fruits gradually faded. Their effects were at their finest just after being harvested.
Beneath that moon cassia stood a Lunar Jade Palace, as though carved from glazed crystal, clear and translucent.
Within the jade palace, beside the moon cassia—
Palace maidens clad in gauzy robes came and went, holding jade jars and hanging palm-leaf fans. Dressed in rainbow garments and feathered robes, their features were exquisite. All were spirits nurtured by moonlight, and could be considered the Lunar