The Immortal Realm greeted newcomers without ceremony or kindness.
Beyond the Ascension Pavilion, the sky was vast and layered, not a single dome but many overlapping firmaments, each glowing with different hues of astral light. Rivers of spirit energy flowed visibly through the air like translucent currents, bending around mountains that floated upside down, cities suspended on discs of stone, and distant stars that felt uncomfortably close.
Vahn walked beside Zutian along a wide jade-paved road that led away from the Pavilion. Around them, immortals moved with purpose. Some rode spirit beasts shaped like lions or serpents, others traveled within flying palanquins, while many simply walked, their robes fluttering as if gravity was optional.
Vahn kept his gaze curious but restrained. Every sense told him this place was dangerous. Not openly hostile, but merciless to the weak.
Zutian noticed his silence and laughed.
