Inside the Star-Watching Terrace aboard the Purple-Gold Flagship.
Luminous pearls studded the ceiling, spilling a soft, clear radiance. Transparent screens of light, maintained by formations along all four walls, offered an unobstructed view of the river of stars and sea of clouds outside.
The heavy doors slid open soundlessly, and Yun Qing stepped inside.
A familiar figure stood in the center of the Star-Watching Terrace, his hands clasped behind his back.
He wore plain white casual robes, with flowing clouds subtly embroidered in silver thread. His ink-black hair was loosely pinned with a single white jade hairpin, and his bearing was as straight and proud as snow upon a solitary peak. Outside the windows, the sun had just risen. Boundless clouds rolled and surged, and golden rays spread for miles, casting him in a pure, almost divine light.
It was Yun Huang.
Smiling, Yun Qing strode forward a few steps and casually cupped his fist, his voice clear and firm:
"Brother Huang, I have fulfilled my mission. First place on the Divine List belongs to the Yun Clan after all."
Yun Huang slowly turned around.
His pale golden eyes examined Yun Qing carefully from head to toe, finally settling on his brilliantly smiling face.
Yun Huang's lips curved slightly, carrying a rare hint of warmth. "Mm. Acceptable."
Yun Qing's smile grew even brighter. "Acceptable" from this venerable ancestor? He could simply translate that into "a heaven-born genius."
Their eyes met. Everything went without saying.
Yun Huang raised a hand, gesturing toward the Jade Table beside them, which had been prepared at some unknown point. An unopened jar of immortal wine stood there, giving off a crisp, fragrant aroma.
"Want a drink?" Yun Huang asked with a smile.
Yun Qing readily obliged and sat down opposite him.
He drained his cup