The night wind flowing down from Kela Mountain brushed over the ancient residence, filling the entire garden with the fresh, pleasant air of the deep mountains. One by one, the little suns sprouting from the Mushroom Sprites' heads shattered, scattering orange-yellow radiance that slanted across the garden, seeming to forge a golden passageway along the guests' footsteps.
Firefly Beetles with swollen bellies flew out from the depths of the garden, chasing that touch of gold beneath the night. Their abdomens pulsed as they left trails of light, bright and dim, through the air.
The Dark Wizard leading the way did not exchange pleasantries with the guests, merely guiding them forward in silence. The guests followed uneasily behind him, considering how they ought to behave when meeting the master of the old house.
Under the night sky, only the soft rustle of footsteps could be heard.
It made the old residence seem all the more tranquil.
There were pavilions, artificial hills, a lovely little garden, and a pond in the courtyard. Swimming fish glowing with phosphorescence swam in the pond. There was none of the desolation Zhang Jixin or Fatty Xin had described, nor did Zheng Qing see the well or the damp wooden bucket beside it that they had mentioned.
The servant did not lead the guests indoors, instead stopping beneath the steps before the house.
A tall figure stood atop the steps, head raised toward the profound night sky. In the dim light, Zheng Qing could only vaguely make out a broad cloak. The figure wore no hood, but rather a circular headdress woven from thorns, with several writhing shadows faintly swaying among its sharp protrusions.
"Master, the guests have arrived." The dark-skinned servant walked to the foot of the steps, bowed slightly, and reported to the cloaked figure.