Looking down from the platform, the dance floor in the venue had merely seemed rather exquisite.
But when Zheng Qing actually stepped onto the dance floor and stood in the center of the hall, which resembled a small plaza, he realized in astonishment just how "large" it was—perhaps because he and Su Shijun were opening the dance, there was no one else on the floor but the two of them.
Beneath their feet lay spacious, spotless White Marble Stone Slabs. Above them hung a huge silver-white moon. The black curtain at the edge of the night sky was studded with glittering stars, while the rolling forest canopy in the distance resembled sleeping fire dragons resting their heads upon one another's tails.
A little closer, orange-yellow lights flickered within every archway of the Baroque buildings, like the staring eyes of Pumpkin Lanterns. Closer still, atop the stone pillars around the edge of the floor, magical creatures carved from stone clung to the capitals, staring with docile eyes as they curiously and intently observed the two tiny figures in the dance floor.
The tall figure of the Under the Moon Council's Senior Councilor completely dwarfed the boy, making him seem even smaller.
Bang!
Bang bang!
Another series of golden fireworks rose and blossomed in the distance, like burning dandelions. The young wizards attending the ball gathered behind the stone pillars and in the grass beyond the dance floor, craning their necks to look at the two figures in its center. Some of the less restrained even lifted monocles dangling from brass chains.
The night breeze rustled softly, carrying a faint susurration. It sounded somewhat like silkworms in their "climbing mountain" stage gnawing at mulberry leaves, but Zheng Qing knew it was merely the guests whispering among themselves.
"Look into my eyes."
Su