As the end of the year approached, Yuanling Mountain grew bustling with activity. In winter, the sky darkens quickly and lightens slowly. When the first pale light of dawn appeared on the horizon, the sounds of many voices began to rise from a large manor at the foot of Yuanling Mountain's ridge.
The early risers gathered inside the manor grounds, beside several newly dug wells. Some drew water for cooking, others laundered clothes, some washed themselves, and still others led horses to drink. They stood in small groups, occasionally laughing and chatting in low voices.
Just then, a figure on a Flying Boat rose into the air from above the manor, flying toward the Grand Council Hall on Yuanling Mountain. Seeing this, everyone below stopped what they were doing and looked up, only turning away once the figure had vanished into the distance.
