In late June, as summer drew to a close, Jade Summit Mountain was still cool.
Mountain sparrows chirped on the roof of the Sect Master's courtyard. They seemed to sense that the people below were busy and would not pay them any attention for a while. After calling for a bit, they fell quiet and lined up along the roof, their beady black eyes fixed on the two people below.
It was Dusk, normally their dinnertime.
"That's about all I can tell you," the newly appointed Sect Master said to Chen Shu. "I can't explain it too precisely or set anything in stone. The birth of the Blazing Sun World-Destroying Divine Art was a miracle in itself. It has remained alive and evolving for thousands of years. Every outstanding Spiritual Cultivation practitioner who studies it should develop a unique understanding of it. Perhaps many years from now, you'll use that understanding to improve it. Once the sect approves, your version will become the next version of the Blazing Sun World-Destroying Divine Art."
"So it's been changing for thousands of years." Chen Shu could not hide his amazement.
"Yes. It has never stopped."
"Who made the last changes?"
"My master."
"I see..."
"Head back."
The Sect Master stood and took a handful of millet from his pocket. "I need to feed the birds."
He tossed it onto the roof, scattering gold across the air.
The grains were tiny, but they made a faint patter as they landed on the tiles. The mountain sparrows immediately hopped over to peck at them, some fluttering their wings as they fought for food.
"Wait!"
The Sect Master suddenly called Chen Shu back. After a moment's silence, a surge of boldness rose in him. "Come play a game with me in a few days."
"Me?"
"You..."