Cangwu lay in the deepest reaches of this primeval forest.
It was an ancient sacred tree of unimaginable size.
Its trunk was as massive as a mountain peak, its crown rising in layer upon layer.
Azure clouds wreathed every layer. From afar, it resembled a towering city built of trees.
Dragon cries drifted faintly from deep within its crown. Unlike the majestic, domineering cries of the Dragon Clan, these carried a jade-like gentleness, composure, and timeless depth.
Pan Xuan lowered his escape light outside Cangwu, straightened his robes, and openly released his aura.
He did not wait long before the Cangwu Sacred Tree's branches and leaves parted to either side. An azure path of light condensed from Yi Wood essence extended from deep within the crown to his feet.
Countless spirit birds and beasts stood on either side of the path, watching with curiosity and reverence in their eyes.
It had been far too long since an outsider had set foot here.
Pan Xuan stepped onto the path of light and walked calmly into the depths of Cangwu.
At the center of the Cangwu Sacred Tree's crown lay a broad platform.
Natural wood grain formed its floor, and thick branches encircled it.
Countless spiritual leaves grew on those branches, shedding a gentle glow that lit the entire platform as brightly as day.
An azure-robed elder sat cross-legged at the very center of the platform, his hair white, his features archaic, and his eyes half-closed.
He radiated no pressure, yet his composed bearing inspired involuntary respect.
It was not the overwhelming weight of cultivation, but the composure and wisdom distilled through countless ages of change.
Nine azure dragons were embroidered on his robes, each so lifelike that it seemed ready to soar free of the fabric at any moment.
Pan Xuan