Chapter 1: A Trio's Journey

This is a mountain peak standing by the river.

The peak is not that high, but it is extremely steep. The cliff is covered with dense trees and climbing vines.

In the deep of night, a bright moon hangs high over the peak. Below, the great river flows fervently. The river is full of jagged rocks and its waters run fast, fiercely crashing against them, throwing wave after wave of white foam into the air. The river is like a gigantic, unrivaled monster, relentlessly trying to swallow anything within its reach.

Shu Guan sits cross-legged on the thick branch of an ancient banyan tree at the top of the peak. From the surrounding forests, comes the occasional night cry of a monkey or the sound of an owl hunting, swooping through the trees.

Yet, none of these eerie sounds seem to affect Shu Guan. He keeps his eyes closed, focusing on his breath, motionless as if he has become one with the banyan beneath him.