The next morning, Fei returned and escorted Sheung up a stone stairway cut into the mountainside. At the summit stood a grand hall—weatherworn but regal, flanked by dragon statues and faded banners.
"This is the Hall of Reception," Fei said. "Show proper respect. You'll meet the only two remaining elders."
Inside, the once-majestic space echoed with silence. At the far end, seated on a raised platform, were Elder Wai—long white beard, bright eyes—and Elder Hua beside him.
As Sheung and Fei approached, Elder Wai stood.
"Welcome, Sheung Longyao," he said warmly. "You carry the blood of the dragon. We have waited long for your arrival."
Sheung bowed deeply.
"The other elders left long ago," Wai continued. "They believed the Taoist Sect had no future. They sought refuge in the celestial realms. But Elder Hua and I remained, holding the light of Tao in this world. We made a vow to your grandfather that we would wait here for you to come of age."
He stepped forward and placed a hand on Sheung's shoulder. "Now that you are here… the fire can be rekindled."
Elder Hua nodded. "The legacy begins anew."
Sheung hesitated. "Elder Wai… what about my father? No one ever talks about him."
A shadow passed through Wai's expression. His gaze lowered slightly, then returned, steady and resolute.
"Your father made a choice," he said quietly. "A difficult one. Without him… there may have been no sect left to inherit. He acted with courage—selflessly. That's all I will say, for now."
"But—" Sheung began, questions rising.
"You will learn the truth," Elder Wai interrupted gently. "But not today. There are things more urgent for you to focus on. Foundations that must be laid before such truths can be understood. When you are ready, the past will reveal itself."
Sheung nodded reluctantly, the ache of curiosity stirring deeper within him.
Elder Wai stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I see now… you've been given no instruction at all. The world of Taoist cultivation is still a mystery to you."
Sheung gave a small, sheepish nod. "I didn't even know it existed until yesterday."
"No matter," Wai said, his tone lifting. "Everyone starts at zero. You have the bloodline, and you have the brush. That is enough. Elder Hua and Disciple Fei will instruct you in the foundational arts. Your true training begins today."
So it did.