The northern wind howled atop Yi Shan City, making the stone doors of the cave mansions on the mountainside tremble slightly. Chi Jiuyun stood quietly outside the door, letting the wind whip his robes. His forefinger rested lightly on the sword at his waist as he waited in silence.
After a moment, Chi Jiuyun furrowed his brows and gazed at the hairline cracks on the dark gray stone door, speaking softly:
"Junior brother, there's no point delaying any longer. You've had three full years—as talented as you are, you must have long since broken through."
After a few breaths of silence, the stone door snapped open. Out walked a youth in white robes, his long hair tied back, a blue-white longsword at his waist, two jade slips in hand, smiling brightly as he looked at Chi Jiuyun.
"What orders does Senior Brother Chi have for me?"
Chi Jiuyun gave him a once-over, lowered his voice, and said,
"There's a sect task—our ancestor called your name and wants you to take part."
