Ancient steps wound deeper beneath White Crane Pavilion. Their footsteps echoed through the narrow passage as Li Shen led the way, his palm glowing with channeled qi to light their path. Moisture dripped from worn stone walls that bore faded crane motifs.
"Look." Xi Fang's finger traced weathered characters carved into the wall. "These markings pre-date the founding of the Eight Great Clans."
Mei Ling brushed away centuries of grime from a crumbling scroll mounted in an alcove. The brittle parchment crackled as she carefully unrolled it.
"This speaks of the First Sage." Her eyes widened as she scanned the text. "He used his qi to create a barrier around our entire continent."
Yuan Xia peered over her shoulder. "A barrier? From what?"
"Creatures of pure qi." Mei Ling's voice dropped. "The scroll says they roamed freely in ancient times, devouring everything in their path. The First Sage sacrificed himself to seal them away."
