The morning sky stretched endlessly above the Empire, painted in brilliant shades of pale blue and soft gold as the first rays of sunlight chased away the lingering traces of dawn. Wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across the heavens while the cool morning wind swept freely through the vast open skies, carrying with it the scent of forests, rivers, and distant mountains far below.
High above the land—
A colossal Kunpeng soared gracefully through the endless expanse.
Its enormous wings moved with slow, majestic beats, each powerful flap carrying the gigantic beast effortlessly through the air while gentle currents wrapped around its body like invisible rivers. From such a height, the countless villages, forests, and roads beneath appeared no larger than miniature paintings spread across the earth, while winding rivers shimmered beneath the sunlight like flowing strands of silver.
Standing upon the broad head of the Kunpeng were two familiar figures.
