Mount Qingdu.0

Dawn had just risen from within the mountains, gradually flickering over the treetops. The jade-like path shimmered beautifully; it was often called the Azure Steps by the families around the lake. It was a metaphor for the path of ascension.0

A young man quickly descended the steps, his bearing noble and composed. He wore a platinum-white Daoist robe with tightly fitted cuffs, giving him a clean and decisive appearance. Though he was bathed in golden morning light, his pupils were partially hidden in the shadow of his nose bridge and only glimmered faintly with gold.0

A cold and stern black-robed youth followed closely behind robes. His voice was low and steady. “Your Highness, the new disciples from each family have all entered the estate…The numbers are down by twenty percent compared to last year.”0

Li Zhouwei was just seventeen, and had focused solely on cultivating the perception technique art. When Li Xizhi and Li Ximing were his age, they had just reached the Qi...6