The mountain slumbered beneath a velvet sky, its jagged silhouette etched against a tapestry of stars. Moonlight spilled like silver ink across the ridges, tracing the contours of ancient stone and whispering secrets to the wind. Pines stood like sentinels, their dark needles swaying gently and casting long, dancing shadows across the forest floor.
A thin mist curled around the base of the cliffs, glowing faintly in the moon's pale embrace. Somewhere in the distance, a stream murmured softly, its voice barely audible over the profound hush of the night. The air was crisp, tinged with the scent of moss and cold stone, and carried a stillness so profound it felt sacred.
Above the cliff, a golden light gathered, forming a swirling circle. In its centre, a white fox absorbed the energy around it. As the last of the light vanished, the fox began to transform. Its form shifted, stretched, and refined until it had reshaped itself into that of a human. He stood, a figure carved from flawless jade, and slowly opened his eyes. The moment his gaze focused, the world seemed to hold its breath. His eyes held a mesmerizing composition of charm and cool detachment.
The young man, fine as jade and clad in white, looked upon the world as if it lay beneath his feet. His eyes turned cold as he surveyed the distant human realm. He opened his thin lips and spoke words that would send shivers down any listener's spine.
"It's time for my revenge."
He turned and walked into the forest to descend the mountain. He looked at the familiar slopes with a pang of nostalgia and stretched out a hand to feel the essence of the nature he was leaving. Upon reaching the base, he turned for one last look at the sacred peak. Then, without further hesitation, he walked onto the main road and quickly made his way to the nearest town.
He entered the town and proceeded to a pawn shop at the end of a narrow road. He glanced at the sign and saw the name. Reaching into his robe, he withdrew a jade token engraved with the same words as the shop's sign:
Spirit Hall.
He entered the shop and approached the counter. The shopkeeper, sitting at his post, heard the footsteps and turned. Upon seeing the immortal-like young man in white, he was momentarily dazed.
Seeing the shopkeeper's stupefied expression, Lin Yue felt a flash of annoyance. He lightly slapped the counter. The sound snapped the shopkeeper back to his senses, and he inquired with immediate respect, "Young Master, what can I do for you?"
Lin Yue placed the jade token on the counter and gestured for the shopkeeper to inspect it. Recognizing the token instantly, the shopkeeper understood the visitor's identity. He bowed deeply.
"Sir, please instruct me!" the shopkeeper said hastily.
"Arrange a carriage to the capital," Lin Yue ordered, his voice cold.
"Yes, Sir!" The shopkeeper hurried away to make the arrangements.
Alone, Lin Yue turned his gaze in the direction of the distant capital, his expression frostier than the mountain's peak.