Beyond the threshold spread a courtyard house wide enough to swallow echoes. At its heart stood an enormous copper bell, ribs etched with tight, interlocking runes, the legendary Roaring Storm Bell, keeper of the church’s sanctity. Yet the runes were guttered, their glow no brighter than ash after rain.

Out of the main hall strode Infinides, snow-white hair flowing, youthful eyes burning like twin lanterns. A hush of Earthly Immortal Realm Level Nine aura rode his shoulders, bending the air in quiet deference.

“Jared, you have arrived…” Infinides said, smile widening as though this reunion were the final piece of a patient design. “I have been waiting quite some time.”

Of course, Infinides knew Jared would never linger forever on level five, not once the turmoil there had settled.

“Abbot Infinides, how could you be certain I would brave level six?” Jared asked, offering a respectful clasp of fists.

“Celestial Palace keeps its Sixth Hall here,” Infinides replied, voice as calm as still water. “You were destined to come. The farther you climb. the richer the resources, and your cultivation craves them…”

“Besides, do you not itch to uncover your father’s name? Until you one day stand upon the very summit of the celestial realm, the secrets of his past, and of that ancient celestial war, will remain sealed.”