Three days later, at the Immortal Abode Pavilion.
"Brother Liu, the scenery here is exquisite. Sunlight spills down, and rosy clouds gather like clouds of silk. When mist rises, hazy vapors curl around it, making it seem like an immortal's dwelling."
Zhan Lingyun leaned against the railing with a smile, raised a wine cup carved from white jade, and drained it.
"That is how the Immortal Abode Pavilion got its name."
Liu Yunche smiled serenely, leaning against the railing as he listened to the wind.
"You have quite the refined tastes, Brother Zhan. Have you any poetry to share?"
Zhan Lingyun paused at the question, then burst into laughter.
"If you are in the mood, Brother Liu, I shall certainly offer a poem."
With that, Zhan Lingyun looked toward the frozen lake and distant sky. Bold spirit surged in his chest, and he recited in a ringing voice:
The cold lake, frozen white, reflects the clear sky's light; a soaring pavilion meets the heavens in its flight.
Thin frost spreads over slender branches, a thousand standing bare; lofty spirit rises with the cloud-shadows through the air.
Let me borrow the sweeping wind to unfurl ambitions grand; with one sword, I dare to cleave the eight wild reaches of the land.
One day, when I have trodden every road through dust and sky, I shall smile and draw the river of stars into my wine cup held high.
When he finished, he lifted his hand and poured the remaining wine over the railing. It fell onto the ice, scattering into glistening droplets.
His eyes shone as he gazed into the distance, his brow brimming with a prodigy's pride. He smiled faintly.
"What do you think, Brother Liu?"
Liu Yunche listened quietly to the end, then nodded slightly.
"A fine poem. Your