The long staircase gleamed translucently as white mist swirled upward. Faint chimes of music came from the small pavilion at the horizon. Inside, along the inner hall's side, stood a row of jade chime bells. Two maidens in long robes played them quietly, their garments trailing across the floor, half-concealed within the drifting mist.0

Before them sat a long desk, which was occupied by a woman in a pale tea-colored gown. She rested her chin upon one hand while writing with the other, displaying a serene and ethereal bearing. Beside her on the desk lay a pipa, its surface faintly reflecting light.1

Shaohui had been stationed at the horizon for many years. Few immortals ever set foot in this place. Even the maidens within the pavilion were spirit attendants sent by the Supreme Yin Court. They could not speak, and were only capable of performing simple...0