Winter month, Ren Sea.
The space between sky and sea was bitterly cold, the wind howling. In Heaven Pool especially, waters as vast as several provinces of Great Li were all imbued with the nature of Ren. They shimmered with dark netherglow beneath the winter sun, yet never froze.
Today was an auspicious day.
Great banners patterned with ink-cloud dragons stood in the sea in all eight directions. Deep, dense ink clouds gathered around their edges, and heavenly rivers cascaded from the sky within them, pouring into the sea.
Bing Fire radiance approached from the northern sky, gold mingled with crimson, revealing an ornate, ancient gilded carriage. Forged from red gold and interspersed with parasol wood, it was wreathed in billowing scarlet flames.
Birds cleared the way on either side, stirring the flowing flames, bearing banners and fans. They escorted the splendid carriage to the center of the Ren Sea, where the waters below parted and dragon qi spread.
The Bing Fire flames became a Fire Crow that circled the sea three times. Violet lightning gathered into a dragon, churning the clouds as it met the Fire Crow. Together, they became two rays of light, one crimson and one violet, and descended into the sea.
Inside a side hall of the Pure Harmony Palace.
A jade plaque hung above the hall, engraved with [Seeking Longevity]. The interior was spacious and open, encompassing dozens of rooms. Built entirely from sea jade and ink stone, it had once been part of the ancient Dragonkin's inner palace.
It had now been completely refurbished and furnished with cloud beds, dark thrones, treasure platforms, and jade pools. Many were made from materials of water transformation and rainbow and rosy cloud, their dazzling brilliance enchanting the senses.
Xu Xuan entered in human form, wearing a deep-purple