Deep within the heart of the Imperial Capital, the personal palace of Chu Xueyu, sat like a silent, slumbering beast of white jade and ancient obsidian.
The air here was so saturated with spiritual essence that it shimmered with a faint silvery hue, a constant reminder of the Clan Head's absolute dominion over the clan's ley lines.
In the center of this massive palace, Chu Xueyu sat upon her High Throne, her eyes were closed, her breathing so shallow and rhythmic that she appeared more like a masterpiece of celestial sculpture than a living woman.
The golden hair that cascaded down her white robes seemed to catch the ambient light, glowing with a soft, noble radiance.
The silence was broken only by a subtle ripple in the space before the dais.
One of her shadow guards, a woman with flowing white hair and eyes like polished flint, emerged from the darkness as if stepping through a curtain of water.
She knelt instantly, her forehead nearly touching the cold jade floor.
