The morning sun peeked over the Azure Sky Sect's mountains, casting a warm glow across the training grounds. Birds chirped, water trickled in the streams, and for a brief moment, everything looked peaceful.
Li Ming yawned loudly, stretching his arms as he stepped out of his dormitory. Bai Guo fluttered down from the roof, human form sleek and upright, wings folded neatly behind him.
"Descendant," Bai Guo said, rubbing his eyes with a clawed hand, "I can already tell today is going to be… chaotic."
Li Ming grinned. "You say that every day, but somehow I survive. Mostly."
He was interrupted by a high-pitched shriek. Turning, he saw Xue Yan zipping across the courtyard at an impossible speed, chasing a mischievous squirrel that had stolen her breakfast bun. She skidded to a halt, glaring at the little animal.
"Seriously?!" Xue Yan yelled. "I just got this!"
Li Ming laughed, covering his mouth. "You're actually chasing a squirrel… at full speed. I respect that dedication."
