Zhang Xiao stood numbly atop the platform.
Two exceptionally bright stars twinkled in the sky, their radiance slowly fading.
The few young Daoists remaining in the square stood below, quietly awaiting their new Celestial Master's orders.
The phenomenon that had changed the colors of heaven and earth gradually dissipated, and the darkness receded. Sunlight now spilled through the gaps, leaving slanting shafts of light across the mortal world.
A solemn bell tolled from the summit of Dragon-Tiger Mountain, mourning the Celestial Master's death.
The tolling jolted Zhang Xiao from his stupor. He looked down at the disciples of the Daoist Order, still standing in rows, their eyes red as they wept in silence.
In a hoarse voice, he told them:
"Go back and rest. At least... at least we no longer have to worry about the sky collapsing at any moment..."
The disciples fell silent for a moment, then bowed again. "We obey the Celestial Master's command."
Zhang Xiao turned and entered the inner hall, pushing open a small door that led to the quiet room where Grandfather had most liked to spend his time.
The little room was modest in size and very simply furnished.
The walls, however, had been painted with care. The wooden lattice window was propped open, letting in the gentle sunlight.
It shone upon a plain, old-fashioned square table, making the porcelain teacups on it look especially delicate and smooth.
The floor was paved with blue-gray bricks. A bamboo couch stood in one corner, and a meditation cushion lay in the center of the room.
This was Grandfather's favorite place.
Zhang Xiao looked around for a while, then entered and sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion.
He drew the Tiger and Dragon Jade Pendant out from around his neck and laid it in his