The afternoon sun filtered through the high, arched windows of the Cloud-Peak Pavilion's private study, casting long, geometric shadows across the polished spirit-wood floor. Dust motes danced in the beams of light, swirling in the silent, heavy atmosphere of the room. The scent of burning sandalwood incense hung in the air, a calming aroma that belied the dark web of manipulation being spun within these walls.
Wang Jian sat behind his massive desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He wore robes of deep midnight blue, embroidered with silver constellations that seemed to shift and shimmer with his breathing—a testament to his deepening cultivation of the Stellar Demonic Meridian Scripture. Before him stood Hua Ling, the Young Sect Mistress of the Fragrance Melody Sect.
