Emery followed the Supreme beyond the gate and up another winding mountain path. They climbed for several more miles, the stone steps twisting between sheer cliffs and ancient pines before the trail finally opened into a secluded valley hidden among the peaks.
It was a peaceful grove.
Crystal-clear streams spilled down the surrounding cliffs, feeding a series of quiet ponds whose glass-like surfaces reflected the afternoon sky. Ancient trees, their branches heavy with emerald leaves, cast cool shadows over carefully tended gardens, while birdsong drifted gently through the air.
At the heart of the valley stood an old temple.
Its weathered stone walls bore the marks of countless years, yet everything remained meticulously maintained. A handful of young attendants moved quietly between the halls, sweeping fallen leaves, tending flowerbeds, and replacing incense within bronze burners. The entire place radiated a tranquil atmosphere completely detached from the outside world.
