Cloud Serpent Ancestral Pavilion
Yi Tian rose from his seat and addressed the butler, "Your service was excellent, I will take my leave now."
"It's my pleasure, Young Master," Butler Feng replied with a smile and a respectful bow.
Yi Tian then approached the sliding door of the library that led to the garden and opened it. Stepping onto the stone path, he soon reached the point where it bridged over a gently flowing brook. The crystal-clear water exuded tranquility as it meandered below. Lily pads were scattered here and there, few in number, while vibrantly colored koi fish gracefully swam around. Cattails sprouted from the water's edge, standing tall and proud.
Dragonflies darted near the water, touching down for a brief moment before taking off again. The harmonious blend of these elements imbued the garden with an enchanting natural beauty, effortlessly captivating the senses and creating an atmosphere of serenity.
...
As I crossed the stone bridge, my thoughts turned to my next destination: the Cloud Serpent Ancestral Pavilion. I felt drawn to this place due to its name being similar to the heritage technique of our martial family, the Cloud Serpent Sword Art.
Exiting the west wing, I encountered numerous servants and gardeners, each of whom ceased their tasks to bow respectfully as I passed, only resuming their duties once I had moved well beyond them.
In time, I arrived at the large stone wall that enclosed our expansive courtyard. Composed of expertly cut and polished blocks of grey stone, the wall stood an imposing 10-12 feet tall, ensuring both privacy and protection. Thick enough for guards to patrol its top, the wall's austere appearance was softened by intricate carvings and relief work depicting scenes of ancient beasts and mythical landscapes. Clinging ivy and other lush vegetation adorned the exterior, blending the structure harmoniously with its surroundings.
An elaborately designed entrance gate served as the main access point to the courtyard. Crafted from heavy wood and reinforced with iron, it featured detailed carvings and metalwork that echoed the wall's decorative elements. A robust locking mechanism secured the gate, with guards stationed on either side.
As I approached the entrance, a middle-aged man in a traditional uniform stepped forward. His sturdy build suggested strength and discipline. Bowing deeply, he inquired, "Would the Young Master like an escort before leaving the courtyard?"
"No, I will be going out alone," I responded firmly, shaking my head.
"Very well." He nodded and signaled to the guards, who promptly began to open the gate.
Once through the passage, I found myself on a stone-tiled and gravel road within the compound. Small trees and bushes lined the path, creating a pleasant ambiance as I journeyed among the various buildings. The road was busier than my courtyard, with servants and guards bustling about their tasks, yet they still paused to bow as I passed. Each of them respectfully used the side gravel road, leaving the main path clear.
Following the road that led to the Cloud Serpent Ancestral Pavilion, I soon found myself in a vast, open space. A large, beautifully landscaped garden spread out before me, with winding pathways leading to tranquil alcoves for meditation and reflection. A diverse array of flora, including flowering plants and trees, contributed to the soothing atmosphere, while rock formations, flowing water, and carefully placed sculptures of serpents and clouds added artistic accents. The garden gently inclined toward the buildings it encircled.
Basking in the warm sunlight, I strolled through the garden, drawn toward its centerpiece: a magnificent pavilion. The multitiered structure symbolized the eight cardinal directions, its roof curving gently upward at each corner like a serpent's sinuous movement. Intricate cloud patterns adorned the eaves, signifying a connection to the heavens, while a majestic statue of a coiled serpent encircling a sword crowned the central roof tier, representing the family's martial prowess.
Constructed from fine white marble, the pavilion's walls symbolized the purity and nobility of the family's martial heritage. They were decorated with intricate bas-relief panels depicting scenes from our martial history, such as legendary battles, the development of our techniques, and the achievements of prominent ancestors. The entrance featured a set of elaborately carved wooden doors, their design incorporating intertwining serpents and cloud motifs, welcoming visitors into the sacred space. Above the elegant doors, a plaque displayed the name "Cloud Serpent Ancestral Pavilion" in masterful Chinese calligraphy.
I approached the doors and pulled them open, revealing a large central hall filled with lifelike statues, each brandishing expertly crafted swords. The walls were lined with meticulously arranged ancestral tablets. Surrounding the central hall were several smaller entrances.
An elderly man emerged from one of the rooms at the back of the hall. Tall, with long gray hair, he had striking brown eyes framed by bushy eyebrows and a long, pointed white beard. "Tian, I thought you were training with little Yi Long today? Why have you come here?" he asked affectionately.
Anticipating a situation like this, I knew my best course of action was to respond with confidence. Pretending nothing was amiss, I replied, "Yes, I know, but I postponed that so I could come here and read about martial arts." Despite a hint of uneasiness in my voice, my explanation seemed to suffice.
The elderly man's eyes widened, but soon a smile spread across his face. "Haha, you've done it today, Tian! You must tell me what has brought on this good mood of yours," he said, his curiosity piqued.