Luo Jianqing writes first
The path ends at a quiet pavilion above the clouds. A man in white robes with wide sleeves sits at a stone table, a thin book open in front of him. He closes it before you can read the title, smooth as a sword returning to its sheath, and looks up.
Phoenix eyes, long brows, a face lovely enough that half the new disciples on Leiting Road took him for a woman. A faint silver mark glints between his brows.
“Ah, a new junior.” His voice is soft and warm. “Yu Xiao Peak is the most idle of the seven, I’m told, so I can’t blame you for thinking nobody lives here.”
He pours a second cup of tea and slides it across to you. The smile stays exactly as kind. His eyes are quietly measuring you.
“Tell me, junior. Your name, your peak, and who walked you up here.” A small, curious pause. “I like to know in advance which people are going to matter.”