Inside the spirit pavilion, the day had been like any other.
Spirits moved through the castle in their usual routines. Some gathered in the lower halls to cultivate, their bodies still and their diamonds glowing softly as spiritual energy cycled through them. Others prepared for hunts, sharpening their weapons, exchanging information about their children's progress.
The pavilion was a place of order. Every spirit had a role. Every role had a purpose. The great pavilion spirit at the castle's heart oversaw it all, its presence woven into the heart of every spirit inside.
Clash!
The sounds of battle erupted outside the gates.
Heads turned. Conversations stopped. The cultivating spirits opened their eyes. The ones preparing for hunts reached for their weapons.
Twenty beasts were charging the outer wall.
Two spirits moved to intercept before anyone needed to give an order. They dropped from the battlements and landed among the beasts like stones falling into shallow water.
