On a bustling street, the scholars crossed a bluestone arch bridge still slick with a dusting of snow.
They strolled at a leisurely pace, soon arriving at a lake embankment blanketed in silver.
The daylight glinted off the snow as people ambled by. Icy branches, adorned with bright red festival ornaments, created a scene where cold beauty and understated elegance converged in a grand celebration of the Mortal World. It was the perfect time to draw lessons from the past and spin a moving tale.
The scholars were completely enthralled by Brother Zhou's tale. Song Ciwan, following at a distance, admired the scenery as she listened in.
She heard Brother Zhou continue, "Though the Dragon Race are part of the Demon Race, their relationship with our Human Race isn't bad. The Mortal World depends on bountiful harvests, so people often make offerings to the Dragon Gods and pray for gentle rains and favorable winds.
