A blinding white light consumed everything. It was an absolute radiance, so piercing that sight became an impossible luxury. Just as the eyes are rendered useless in the deepest pitch of night, they were now betrayed by this overwhelming divine brilliance. Suddenly, through the shimmering void, a voice cut through:“Mo Yan!!!!?”
The cry belonged to Yu Sui. Lost and disoriented within the light, they had drifted apart. Panicked, Yu Sui reached out blindly, searching the emptiness. Suddenly, a firm grip clamped around his wrist. He looked down through the haze to see a hand strong, steady, and unmistakably Mo Yan’s.
Slowly, the tumultuous glare began to recede, like a storm of light losing its strength. As the mist cleared, they felt the sensation of soft, lush grass beneath their boots. In an instant, the last of the radiance vanished, revealing a breathtaking miracle.
It was as if a fragment of the Heavens had descended to earth. Majestic green mountains soared toward the firmament, their peaks giving birth to cascading waterfalls of pure white foam. All around them, vibrant flowers swayed in the gentle, silken breeze, their colors more vivid than any found in the mortal realm.The mountain air drifted through the valley, carrying with it a profound sense of peace. Behind that single, lonely gate lay an entire world of boundless beauty. A thick yet delicate blanket of mist clung to the mountain slopes, weaving through every ancient crevice of this hallowed land. Giant trees reached up to touch clouds that looked like soft, tufted toys of cotton. Birds sang melodies that resonated with the soul, echoing through the flowering thickets.
Yu Sui stood captivated, utterly lost in the splendor of the scene. However, Mo Yan’s gaze was not fixed on the scenery; it was anchored solely on Yu Sui. Unaware of the attention, a genuine, radiant joy bloomed on Yu Sui’s face a rare moment of pure peace. He stepped forward, drawn to a tree heavy with blossoms, mesmerized by their ethereal grace.
Sensing Mo Yan’s eyes on him, Yu Sui quickly regained his composure, putting back on his mask of stoicism as he continued forward. Amidst this paradise, they encountered a second portal. It was ancient and magnificent, carved from stone that looked as smooth as silk. Faint blue runes pulsed upon its surface, glowing like the veins of a long-forgotten magic.
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From within the gate, the voice echoed once more:“Show your Invitation Seal.”
The two stood in a trance for a moment, staring at the imposing structure. Yu Sui turned to Mo Yan, seeking guidance. Mo Yan met his gaze and gave a small, resolute nod a silent command to reveal the token their Masters had entrusted to them.
Yu Sui reached into his robes and carefully produced the Jade Seal. Its surface was etched with sacred carvings that shimmered with an inner light. He raised his hand, and the seal reacted instantly, erupting in a brilliant glow.The moment the light touched the portal, the runes upon the stone sprang to life. A deep, resonant rumble vibrated through the earth as the ancient doors creaked open, revealing a world-within-a-world that remained untouched by the passage of time.
They stood frozen, breathless.The gate, which had appeared to stand alone in an empty field, was its own miracle. Beyond its threshold lay a lush valley bathed in golden sunlight, fragrant with the scent of a thousand blooms. In the distance, sacred temples stood tall, their golden roofs gleaming like fire under the sun’s embrace. It was a sanctuary hidden within the mortal world protected, blessed, and divine.
Mo Yan and Yu Sui shared a silent look before stepping through. The moment their feet crossed the threshold, the gate closed behind them with a soft whisper, returning to its dormant, lifeless state a mere block of stone to any outsider, hiding a realm believed to exist only in legends.
The air here was thick with spiritual energy. Crystal-clear streams flowed between marble halls. Disciples dressed in pale, flowing robes adorned with jade ornaments moved silently through the courtyards. Every wall and statue whispered tales of history and divine lineage.
This was the Mist Cold Sect the sect of which legends claimed could record every event that ever transpired beneath the Heavens. A place spoken of only in fragmented scriptures and half-remembered dreams.
As they stood there in awe, a disciple dressed in pistachio-green silk approached them. He bowed low, his head lowered in deep respect.“Master Mo Yan. Master Yu Sui. Grandmaster Qinji awaits your arrival.”The two turned to each other, their faces masked with pure disbelief.
Yu Sui looked at Mo Yan, his voice a mere whisper of shock. “What?... How does she know our names?”
Mo Yan said nothing, but the sharp intensity in his eyes mirrored the same unanswered question.
