Tianzhu Mountain, Zhu Ridge.
Wild hues shrouded in white mist, cloud-light fading into purple haze. It was a splendid season—the mountainside was ablaze with blooming wildflowers. The newly recruited 108 disciples were hidden among the bamboo shadows and trees, each engaged in cultivation, radiating a serene and harmonious energy.
"Rustling!"
"Rustling!"
A rapid succession of footsteps sounded from the middle of the mountain. A secular disciple was hastening up the stone steps, lightly tapping on the moss with the tips of his shoes, advancing along the thin vapor trail all the way to the inner courtyard.
"The abbot is in seclusion. What's the matter?" The guarding disciple stopped and inquired.
The secular disciple uttered a few words, and the guard's expression abruptly changed, hastily letting him through. He jogged over to a quiet room and reported:
