Brilliant golden divine thunder condensed into a blazing sun suspended high in the heavens. Lightning flashed now and then, while purple-gold dragons and serpents raced around it.
Within the sun stood a residence of ancient design, steeped in the weathered aura of the Dao. Immortal splendor surrounded it: radiant clouds shimmered, jade mist drifted, and from it one could gaze up at heaven's light and down into the netherworld.
Twelve Golden-Armored Deities stood in formation before the residence, holding halberds with whips hanging at their sides. Farther inside were twelve immortal maidens bearing fans and towels. All these figures had been formed from divine thunder, and now stood motionless.
The white-robed scholar ascended to heaven by way of the path and entered the sun. The thunder bore him up, leaving his passage unobstructed all the way to the residence.
Above the residence, golden thunder formed a plaque bearing several ancient characters: [Mysterious Thunder Fixes the Pivot]. Zhou Shi gazed at it, a faint smile appearing on his handsome, scholarly face. Sword intent arose from the longsword he wore, and the Celestial Pivot Star shone bright.
Zhou Shi followed the path into the residence. Brilliant, blazing divine thunder surged along the way, turning into pure golden light that supported him and followed at his side. He passed golden gates and silver halls, making his way with practiced ease into an elegant chamber.
The chamber's furnishings were simple and antique. A green wooden desk stood within, displaying several ornamental objects, each flashing with lightning.
One was a flood-dragon brush rest carved from black jade. The dragon roared fiercely, its scales and claws flaring, while beneath its claws it gripped a small cauldron depicting mountains and rivers, wreathed in hazy thunder that shook the altars of the land and unified them.
There was