Upon this ruined land,
The bamboo hut stands.
It looks somewhat out of place.
And yet, strangely, it feels perfectly right.
As if this hut was always meant to be here.
Hong Ying walked to the hut's front, lips curving into a faint smile.
This hut,
Is where the Imperial Preceptor resides.
Back then—
The Preceptor achieved great feats for the Cloud Phoenix Empire, rendering countless merits.
Hong Ying offered myriad rewards, including the construction of a lavish mansion for the Preceptor.
Yet the Preceptor refused.
His reason: he'd grown attached to this bamboo hut, unwilling to move out.
Now…
The Cloud Phoenix Empire has fallen, the Heavenly Dao collapsed.
The Preceptor has sealed himself away.
Still, the hut remains.
"Your Majesty."
From within the hut, an old, weary voice emerged.
As the words faded, the bamboo door gently opened.
An elder stepped forth.
His temples had turned to snow.
The long white beard fluttered in a windless air.
