The journey to Emel Forest was long and eerie. Mist drifted through the towering trees, and strange birds cried in twilight. The deeper the caravan ventured, the more distorted nature seemed—like the woods themselves had memory.
As they passed an old spirit shrine crumbling with time, Qingsai, mounted beside Meiyan, stared ahead toward the mountain ridge.
There it was—Whispering Hollow Keep.
A castle hewn from black veinstone and pale green moss, it rose from the mist like a fossilized flame. Tall towers twisted upward, their glassless windows glowing faintly even at night. A massive gate, adorned with the ancient Yuncao sigil, loomed before them.
> "It looks haunted," Chunsi whispered.
> "It is," Meiyan replied flatly.
> "Good," Qingsai muttered. "So am I."
They entered the castle with their retainers—maids, old family servants, and caretakers assigned by the court. The interior was cold but structurally sound. Lanterns lit without flame, powered by embedded spirit runes in the walls. The energy was faint, but old—like the heartbeat of something sleeping.
A single figure waited for them in the main hall.
Tall, robed in ivory and blue. Long white hair tied back. Pale golden eyes that seemed to shimmer with sunlight.
> "You must be Qingsai," the man said, voice calm and deep. "I am Lucen Arkai. Keeper of Lucentia. And your teacher."