In the chaotic void, even the wind had vanished into nothingness.
Above the stone forest shrouded in gray mist, a vast platform held two meditation cushions and a small table, where two figures sat facing each other.
One wore a black robe that concealed their form. Though silent, their tightly clasped hands betrayed their unease.
The other, an elderly man, sat with closed eyes in meditation. His lips moved slightly as if calculating something, while shifting lights and shadows danced around him, faintly tracing the shape of a wheel.
After an indeterminate time, the lights finally dissipated. The elder exhaled and slowly raised his eyes. "I have found it."
"Really?" A clear feminine voice emerged from beneath the black hood as she leaned forward, watching the elder with barely contained eagerness.
The elder gazed at her without speaking.
"Ahem... Sir, do you mean that after all my preparation, the time has finally come?" the black-robed figure asked, having composed herself.
"Child, the opportunity you seek has arrived. However, I cannot help with the specifics of the process—that you must experience for yourself," the elder said placidly. "But you must decide carefully. Drawing mortals into this affair may have unforeseen consequences."
"I understand. However, it's time to return what was mistakenly given to its rightful owner. Thank you, sir. I won't disturb your tranquility any longer and will take my leave."
With these words, she rose and bowed respectfully to the elder, then swiftly departed through a conjured portal.
The elder closed his eyes and resumed his meditation.
This serenity was short-lived. A white light suddenly tore through the chaos from afar, followed by the thunderous sound of shattering stone, causing the elder's eye to twitch. He spoke with resignation: "Despite giving you the portal incantation, you still arrive like this every time. You're gradually destroying all the scenery here."
"Scenery?" The white light pierced through the mist, landing on the platform as a human form materialized, accompanied by the subtle sound of flowing water. "It certainly matches your space's name—'Still and Void'—equally dull. I'm doing you a favor by livening it up a bit."
The white light pierced through the mist, descending upon the platform as a human form gradually materialized. Wherever it passed, one could hear the delicate sound of rippling water. "This truly matches your space's name - 'Still and Void' - equally devoid of interest. Let me help renovate it a bit, add some vitality and spirit."
The newcomer cut a striking figure in brilliant white armor, with pheasant feathers swaying atop his head and a vermillion mark upon his brow - the very picture of handsome elegance.
Still teasing, he collapsed directly onto the meditation cushion. "Oh my, how many times have I visited now? And still not the slightest improvement in your taste. As your friend, I simply cannot bear to watch you sit here in such austerity... Hey, why not let me handle the renovations? I recently saw the Nine Perfections Palace - quite impressive. I could recreate it right here. That bare mountain peak is unsightly; in my opinion, we should add towering pavilions and crown it with grand halls, and also..."
"Enough, Jinfeng."
The elder cut off his endless chatter. "Last time it was golden pavilions and vermillion halls, the time before that was cave temples with Buddha statues, and before that, towering modern buildings. Your suggestions truly know no bounds."
"Each has its own merit! Since you insist on keeping company with just a table, a moon, and a candlestick, I have no choice but to exercise all my creative faculties. Alas, what can one do when someone is so stubbornly set in their ways?"
Jinfeng heaved an exaggerated sigh, then began fiddling with the only elegant object on the wooden table. "Here, only this candlestick never grows tiresome - carving shadows and catching light, perfect for contemplation."
"Enough. All external things are mere illusions. You've arrived in such haste - surely you have urgent matters to discuss."
The elder stared at Jinfeng's attire for a long while, but seeing him continue his playful demeanor without any hint of seriousness, he had no choice but to broach the subject himself. "Otherwise, for disturbing my meditation, don't blame me if I send you back."
"Hmm, not bad. It seems you haven't gone senile yet - I'm quite pleased, though your temperament remains as unchanging as ever, showing no improvement."
Jinfeng raised his eyebrows and continued, "The chaos in the Misty Void has worsened. Many Star Officers have been corrupted. We can only maintain the status quo for now, but such delay cannot be a permanent solution."
He stopped fidgeting and his tone grew serious: "Moreover, from my recent observations, these anomalies are occurring in multiple locations. Those old fellows never mentioned this. Clearly, they each harbor their own ulterior motives."
"As expected. If it were truly simple to resolve, it wouldn't have remained hidden until now," the elder responded without a hint of emotion. "However, I have found a new opportunity."
"Opportunity... you mean, you've found him?" Jinfeng's surprise quickly turned to joy. "Finally, some good news! Did you tell Wei Yueyan?"
"Yes, before you arrived."
"Excellent, reliable news indeed. I thought his destiny had been completely scattered, yet it seems it can be reunited."
Jinfeng clicked his tongue in satisfaction. "What happens next depends on their fate. And for us, it provides another turning point."
"Now that we've discussed the younger generation's affairs, let's talk about yours."
The elder gazed directly into Jinfeng's eyes. "Will she see you?"
Shrewd as he was, Jinfeng immediately understood the elder's meaning. "Same as always, nothing worth discussing. I simply cannot understand her. Lately, she's used some method to completely block my tracking. If that mad woman causes any more trouble, I'll really be in for it. I must focus on finding her now."
Speaking of her, Jinfeng grew unusually quiet. His eyes darkened, and after a long pause, he said: "Well, aren't the others the same? Her behavior doesn't seem so peculiar anymore. Those colleagues... heh."
"Storm clouds gather as the wind fills the tower," the elder said slowly. "Yet all are merely mortals, each facing this tribulation in their own way, showing a thousand different faces."
"Enough with your cryptic, lofty phrases. It all comes down to each person having their own path, with no one able to convince another. Now, old man, the new priority is looking after the successor," Jinfeng said.
"As you said, each has their own path. How can I watch over someone from thousands of miles away? Everything must come from within, depending on his own will," the elder glanced at Jinfeng. "Excessive interference might backfire. Being a guide is sufficient."
"Fine, fine, fine, I can't argue with you. As long as you know what you're doing." Jinfeng waved his hand and heaved a long sigh. "The situation is dire; I can't help but be anxious."
"I understand."
The two discussed various minor matters before Jinfeng finally took his leave.
The elder waved his hand, restoring the previously destroyed stone forest to its original state. As the clamor faded, he returned to his meditation. In this inner landscape named "Still and Void," above him hung a bright moon, before him flickered a single candle, and everything returned to silence.
No dust stirred in the absolute stillness.
The reading lamp extinguished, his entire being became one with the moonlight.