The Mortal Realm
By noon, the road to Cloudspire Sect wound through valleys of drifting mist.
Lin Feng followed the caravan of hopeful disciples — farmers' sons, merchants' daughters, even a few street urchins who had somehow earned the right to try. The temple elder had insisted he join, saying Heaven's chosen should not linger among ruins.
He had no robe of silk or charm of luck like the others, only a simple satchel and the parchment hidden inside. Still, the air seemed to part slightly as he walked, a faint shimmer clinging to him that few noticed but all felt.
A boy beside him whispered, "Hey, do you feel that breeze? It's been following us since dawn."
Lin Feng smiled faintly. "Perhaps the mountain welcomes us."
When they finally reached the gates, Cloudspire rose like a city carved from mist and white stone. Waterfalls hung suspended in the air, their currents guided by formation sigils that glowed softly against the sunlight.
Elders in azure robes floated above the crowd, their auras calm but vast.
"Those fated by Heaven may step forward," one declared.
Dozens moved — some eager, some trembling. Lin Feng waited until last.
When he approached, the elder's gaze flickered briefly, brow creasing.
"You carry Heaven's scent."
Lin Feng's pulse skipped. "I was told I survived Heaven's trial."
The elder nodded slowly. "Then the mountain will test you itself."
A glowing stone was placed before him. Each aspirant before had placed a hand upon it — the stone flashing dull white or bright blue depending on their innate potential.
When Lin Feng touched it, the stone cracked.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Threads of azure light spiraled upward, forming runes no one had seen before. The elder's eyes widened.
"Ancient script…" he whispered.
The light faded, leaving the courtyard silent.
"Your name?"
"Lin Feng."
"Then remember this, Lin Feng," the elder said quietly. "Cloudspire welcomes you — but Heaven watches."
Lin Feng bowed, concealing the faint tremor in his chest.Somewhere deep within his satchel, the parchment pulsed once, like a heartbeat answering a distant call.
The Ninth Heaven
The Heavenly Court was quiet today — too quiet.
Arannis knelt before the great dais, her silver robes dim under the light of a thousand floating scrolls. The Registrar stood above, expression unreadable.
"You were seen entering the Forbidden Archives," he said, voice heavy with restraint. "Do you deny it?"
"I do not."
"Then you know the punishment."
She bowed lower, calm despite the rising murmurs from the gathered envoys.
"I accept it."
A long silence. Then — to her surprise — the Registrar did not speak the word of sealing.Instead, he gestured.
"Very well. You are reassigned to the Mortal Observation Bureau. Report to the lower heavens at dawn."
A punishment in all but name — a demotion to the lowest ranks of celestial duty, far from the radiant halls of authority.
But in that moment, she hid her relief. The mortal realm was closer.
As she left the chamber, the voice of another envoy brushed her mind, filled with pity.
"Why risk so much for a mortal?"
Arannis's lips curved faintly — neither smile nor sorrow.
"Because Heaven once risked everything for us."
She walked toward the veil separating realms, her silver hair catching the faint blue shimmer of starlight. Somewhere far below, a boy named Lin Feng looked up at that same sky, the faint echo of warmth stirring in his chest without knowing why.