The final days in the Divine Firmament Cloud Palace held a little more of life's everyday warmth than usual.
Li Yunjing put aside his sharp-edged bearing. The hem of his plain white robe draped over the cloud steps as he sat around a jade table with his six Dao companions, discussing minor sect affairs and the growth of their spiritual plants. Now and then, laughter drifted into the morning mist, like an ordinary mortal couple waiting for sunrise to begin their day's work.
But they all understood the gravity hidden in his eyes. This tenderness was the prelude to parting.
In the end, the morning bell of farewell shattered the peace.
Dawn had barely broken, and the sea of clouds before the Cloud Palace's main hall still shimmered with pale gold. Li Yunjing stood on the steps, his aura subdued to something lighter than morning dew, as though he might dissolve into the mist at any moment.
Yu Yunyi and the other five stood shoulder to shoulder. Their splendid attire made their ethereal beauty even more striking. Six pairs of eyes rested on him, as though trying to carve his figure into the depths of their souls.
Li Yunjing slowly looked over each face. Finally, he flicked his sleeve, sending six streaks of light through the air. "Yunyi, the Mystic Turtle Spirit Shield can withstand a Spirit Transformation attack. Keep it safe."
Azure light landed in Yu Yunyi's palm, and the tortoise patterns that surfaced on the shield vanished in an instant. "Ruyan, the Heart-Bewitching Bell suits your cultivation method. It can disrupt enemies in both attack and defense."
The silver bell hovered at Liu Ruyan's fingertips, releasing a barely audible chime as it trembled gently. "Ruoxi, the Ice Soul Frostlight Sword is cold and yin-aligned. It is just right