At the foot of Bright Moon Mountain.
A young man in plain black robes tilted his head back to gaze at the majestic mountain before him.
Xu Han, the founding emperor of the Sun Moon Empire, stood at the foot of Bright Moon Mountain, feeling even more hesitant than he had when facing an army of a million men.
"What are you thinking about? Let's go up!"
A clear female voice came from behind him, equal parts exasperation and urging.
Xu Han turned helplessly to his wife, Ye Qing'er. "Qing'er, do we really have to go up?"
Dressed in green, Ye Qing'er had gentle features that also conveyed capable resolve. She sighed softly, stepped forward, and took Xu Han's arm. "Oh, Han, we have to. Without Bright Moon Temple's unconditional support, you'll struggle to keep those arrogant soldiers and fierce generals under you in check."
She paused, lowering her voice. "We both know those people only show you respect now because you're the emperor."
"But the moment you lose Bright Moon Temple's backing, their inherent arrogance will come straight to the surface."
"Of those you've made kings, which one doesn't command a formidable army and harbor ulterior motives?"
Xu Han fell silent for a moment, then turned his gaze back toward Bright Moon Temple, faintly visible on the summit.
"Let's go."
The couple climbed the bluestone steps. Mist swirled through the mountains, making every step feel as though they were walking among the clouds.
The higher they climbed, the crisper the air became, faintly imbued with a Daoist resonance that soothed the mind.
They passed through Bright Moon Temple's mountain gate.
Inside, ancient cypresses towered overhead, and incense smoke curled through the air.
The statues of the Three Pure Ones looked especially solemn in the twilight. A few fresh paw