The Allure Dome of the Qingxuan Yujing Mirage shimmered like a dream. Its vast heavens rippled with hues not found in mortal skies: silver, pink, and gold streamed together like the dance of three celestial sisters, twining and parting as though intoxicated with their own beauty. Clouds gleamed like silk, and every breath of wind seemed to carry faint melodies, as if the world itself was humming in joy at its own perfection.
At the center of the dome stood a small pavilion, carved from translucent jade that caught the lights of the shifting sky. It was here that three figures gathered—graceful, poised, yet radiant with an aura of authority. Each wore a flowing hanfu, long sleeves billowing like banners of power, white sashes tied neatly around their waists. Upon each sash gleamed the metal crest of a dragon, its carved mouth spilling faint streams of flame as though alive.
The eldest stood in resplendent golden silk, her hair coiled into a high crown, eyes calm yet sharp with the weight of responsibility. The second shone in soft pink, her expression gentle but tired, as though the cares of their world had pressed long against her shoulders. The third gleamed in shimmering silver, her presence cool and ethereal, like moonlight scattered upon water. Together, they were the paragons of the Mirage.
The stillness broke when Xinyue stepped lightly through the veil of silver mist at the dome's entrance. Her face lit up the moment she saw them, and she darted forward, voice bright.
"First Senior! Second Senior Third Senior!" she called, her tone filled with affection and a little mischief.
The sister in pink turned first, her brows lifting in a mix of surprise and fondness. "Ah, you naughty one," she said, her lips curving faintly. "What are you doing here, Yue'er?"
"Yu Lian-jie, don't scold me just yet," Xinyue said, hopping closer like a playful rabbit. "I just came back from Shifu's Old Century Library."
Yu Lian tilted her head, her eyes softening though faint shadows of fatigue lingered in them. "To do what there? Don't tell me you went to trouble the old man again. You know his health wanes with every passing moon."
Xinyue puffed up her cheeks, pouting dramatically. "What? Are you going to punish me again, Second Senior? You're always so stern." She stuck out her tongue, laughter bubbling as she spun away, skirts fluttering like butterfly wings.
Before she could escape, the eldest—Huang Yi-jie—moved with a grace so effortless it was almost frightening. Her hand shot out, catching Xinyue by the wrist and pulling her close. Her golden sleeves rippled with authority as she bent down slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Enough, enough," Huang Yi chided, tapping Xinyue lightly on the forehead with two fingers. "Stop stirring trouble, Yue'er. You've already troubled Shifu into fatigue. Do you ever regret what you do?"
"Ow!" Xinyue winced, clutching her forehead as though struck by a hammer. Her eyes grew large and teary, and she rubbed the spot with exaggerated care, lips trembling into a pout. "First Senior, that hurt. Look, it's all red now."
Yu Lian shook her head, half amused, half weary. "You really are impossible."
But Xinyue's playful expression suddenly softened into sincerity. She raised her chin, meeting their gazes directly. "I didn't go there to make trouble. I really went to ask for knowledge."
For a heartbeat, silence hung in the dome. Then Huang Yi choked, spraying her tea back into her cup, while Yu Lian stiffened, her fan clattering slightly in her hand.
"You—knowledge?" Huang Yi's voice was incredulous, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Yue'er, just tell us honestly. What have you done this time?"
"I haven't done anything!" Xinyue stamped her foot, indignant. "Shifu can attest to that."
"Yu Lian," Huang Yi said firmly, eyes gleaming with resolve. "Bring out the Mirror of Truth. If she's lying—or worse—if she has dabbled in treason, we'll know it."
Yu Lian hesitated, but seeing the fire in her elder sister's eyes, she nodded. With a graceful motion, she lifted her sleeve. Threads of pink spiritual light swirled around her hand, weaving together until a great mirror shimmered into being. Its frame was forged of silver lotus blossoms, and its surface rippled like water, waiting to drink in truth.
Xinyue groaned dramatically, flopping down on the pavilion steps. "Really? Must you both treat me like a criminal every time I breathe? Fine, fine—go ahead. I'll sit here like an obedient culprit and let you have your fun."
The Mirror shone as Yu Lian infused it with spiritual essence. The air trembled, and the surface cleared to reveal their master's image: seated quietly in the Old Century Library, a massive scroll in his hands, reading at his favorite corner. His figure was calm, utterly unbothered—proof that nothing chaotic had occurred.
The sisters exhaled in relief. Their hearts had knotted with worry, fearing they would have to protect Xinyue from the Master's infamous temper.
"See?" Xinyue huffed, rising with a flourish. "I told you. You should've trusted me. Are you satisfied now?"
Neither answered at once. The silence grew awkward until Huang Yi cleared her throat softly, returning to composure. "Very well. Then tell us—what did you discuss with Master?"
"About the dragon," Xinyue said simply, as though it were the most casual thing in the world.
Both sisters froze. "Dragon?" they echoed in unison, eyes sharp and alert.
But Xinyue waved them off, twirling idly as if bored of the subject already. "Don't make such a fuss. It's nothing but endless scrolls of dry, boring literature. If you're happy now, then leave it at that."
Still, her smile faltered, and her gaze drifted toward the sky where silver, pink, and gold continued to dance. A shadow crossed her heart as she remembered—that day was fast approaching.
"Master knows why I sought those answers," she whispered under her breath. "And some things are better left unspoken. The easier, the better."
Yu Lian's eyes softened. She reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from Xinyue's cheek. "Just remember, Yue'er. Don't act recklessly when the time comes."
Huang Yi's gaze lingered, steady and searching. "Promise me," she said quietly, her golden aura wrapping around her like a shield. "Even if the Mirage shines brighter than ever, you will not let your heart be swayed into ruin."
Xinyue swallowed. The words of her sisters, gentle yet pressing, only deepened the unease she already carried. But she curved her lips into a mischievous smile and bowed her head.
"I promise. For the coming of age, I'll look as though I enjoy the Mirage—just as you wish."
But in the silver-gold sky above, the triplets of heaven twisted strangely, as though mocking the vow she could never keep.