The Western Sea, above the clouds.
Lightning streaked across the heavens, violet bolts cutting through the sky. A bronze treasure carriage sped away as a streak of light. Every turn of its wheels brought rolling thunder like war drums, while eight Heavenly Horses formed of lightning spread their wings and raced onward.
The driver was a youth in dark green robes, with a golden mark between his brows and a spirited expression. Azure scales gleamed along his neck, and his Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivation was substantial.
He was Mo Xi, a direct descendant of the Azure Horned Serpent lineage, Lady Lu Lian's trusted aide, and a capable demon general under the Dragon King of Mistsea.
His lordship brought me along on this outing, not anyone else.
He was feeling pleased with himself when a steady, commanding male voice sounded behind him.
"Mo Xi, once you see Great Pei Mountain, stop the Thunder Chariot and wait outside."
"Yes. I shall obey your command, my lord."
Mo Xi reined himself in. He assumed the Purple Mansion expert had noticed him getting carried away and spoken to remind him. His expression grew considerably more respectful, and he concentrated on driving along the cloud road.
Bronze reliefs covered the carriage compartment, depicting the Divine Crow and Heavenly Yang. Ancient and weathered, they shed a bright light that illuminated the two people seated within.
Xu Xuan wore magnificent deep purple robes, with Dong Xi and Pure Essence, his two Dharma Swords, at his side. The mysterious radiance of sun and moon interwove like brocade, while Golden Crow and Moon Laurel Dao patterns shone brilliantly, their Dao resonance lingering.
"Mo Xi is quite talented, and his bloodline is among the finest the Azure Horned Serpents have produced in recent years. He still has some youthful