White clouds spread like a sea, and immortal cranes fluttered among the mountains.
As mountain patrol disciples rode spirit birds on their rounds, the vast Nine-Wan Island unfolded like an exquisite landscape scroll.
Qian Miao, a scion of the Qian Household, rose early and bounded through the mountains like a spirit ape.
He was practicing an art akin to martial cultivation, one that tempered his muscles, bones, blood, and qi.
After an indeterminate span of time, the sun rose, casting its light through the woods. Sparse shadows of leaves swayed gently to the rustling wind.
Qian Miao exhaled a long breath of stale air and approached a pavilion halfway up the mountain.
"S-second Young Master, I finally found you! S-Steward Du is looking for you."
The servant he had brought from the Qian Household ran over, speaking between gasps.
Qian Miao was slightly surprised, then seemed to understand something. He nodded faintly. "I understand."
With that, he hurried down the mountain.
Before long, he returned to the Academy's Refined Lodgings at the foot of the mountain and found Steward Du, who had spoken with him previously, in the inner hall on the eastern side.
"Qian Miao, you're here. Sit."
Steward Du had been writing with a brush. Seeing Qian Miao arrive, he stopped and spoke with a smile.
"Thank you, Steward Du!" Qian Miao cupped his hands in greeting and sat in a chair at one side of the hall. "May I ask what instructions you have for me?"
Steward Du took a letter from the cabinet beside him and handed it to Qian Miao. "We notified your clan about the matter we discussed with you a few days ago. This is their reply."
Qian Miao took the letter and began reading.
Its contents concerned the Incense Accumulation Sect's recent