"Thud"
"Thud"
"Thud"
Atop Cloud Peak, a palace with golden tiles and lacquered timbers, built atop green stone, stood in ancient grandeur.
In front of its gates, a plaza held twelve thick pillars constructed of white marble, each so wide it required a dozen people to encircle it. Atop each pillar fluttered flags that rustled loudly in the night breeze.
Green, white, gold, black, these colors composed the palette of the grand hall.
A rush of hurried footsteps approached.
"Report, Ninth Mountain's Colonel Chen Yuan requests an audience!"
"Very well, let him enter." A deep yet slightly rising voice, carrying a trace of urgency, echoed within the great hall.
Inside, the flickering lights cast a solemn atmosphere.
Around, a few scattered silhouettes stood; at this moment, their gazes simultaneously turned toward the hall doors with surprise, curiosity, or a faint shimmer in their eyes.
