The Serpent and the Lotus Blooms

The Lotus of the Mountain

The land of China is littered with ancient temples, forests and buildings. The treasures of the land are a true beauty to behold. While many structures still remain, a picture of times long since past, the streets have become more modern. The cities have grown tall and imposing, bright with many artificial, sparkling lights. Technology and many of the pleasures of the modern world have forever changed the landscape of a country with a plethora of history and tales to tell.

However, high up in the mountains, there are whispers among the rural folk that ancient Immortals still live, practicing the old ways of martial prowess and artistic mastery in order to reach immortality and ascension. In the climbing altitudes where most hardly dare trek, there live those few of true discipline who strive for that which mortals now believe impossible.
Upon one of these mysterious mountains, the leaves of the maples have just turned a brilliant and stunning red as autumn sneaks up on them. Upon the peak, past an ancient archway guarded by a spell, a temple sits quietly nestled in the sea of red.

It was here, on those deceptively quiet grounds, in the crisp air of autumn, where discourse broke out in the world of the Immortals. It was no surprise, however, as it happened as frequently and as surely as the changing of the seasons. One simply could not keep a common ground between demons and angels, ghosts and immortals. Thus, many factions often found themselves on the steps of the humble JingShui Temple. This cultivation sect was a place of the arts. Literature, music, calligraphy, classic dance and painting all were studied as well as ancient martial skills. Skills like that of the blade and bow that had been passed down centuries ago by ageless masters forever locked in their prime.

The leader of this JingShui Sect was the ethereal Master Bai Yusheng. Known in all three realms as a mediator, fair in all actions and rulings, Bai Yusheng had created a space for all immortals to bring their grievances to be judged and settled through a trial and conference with their peers. Their name was known and respected throughout the three major realms, and they balked or shied away from no case. They did not fail to deal out their judgements to the lowest ghost or the highest gods, and thus they earned their respect.

In appearance they were fair and lithe, their eyes slanted and sharp with a delicate jaw and slender nose. Their svelte lips were painted with rouge, a simple line on the bottom lip and accentuating their cupid's bow. They stood with confidence and grace, a warm smile gracing their refined features.

On that crisp morning, junior disciples were hurrying through the halls, preparing for a hastily announced conference while the seniors were greeting guests and garnering goodwill with them to ease the way for the evening talks. Bai Yusheng walked through the chaos like a fresh breeze, snowy white hair half up in a braided bun, leaving the rest to flow behind them as echoes of formal greetings followed in their wake. Swiftly, they made their way through the weaving bodies to greet an old friend who had only just arrived.

"Serinity Inferno, DaJie, it has been too long since your last visit. Though I do wish the circumstances were better, I am pleased to see you. I hope your trip was pleasant." Bai Yusheng greeted them with a pleasant smile, as they approached their distinguished guests.
A tall and curvy woman beamed at the esteemed master as she exited her carriage, her vibrant red hair tied up in an elegant twist with horns that curled from the sides of her head to peek out beneath her pointed ears. On her skin were black markings that flowed and curled around her entire body, hidden only partially by the dress she wore. Another woman followed her out, her fair hair pulled into a high ponytail. Her features were sharp and slender, and she had a single feather clipped in her hair. Her sharp eyes surveyed her surroundings quickly before she stepped aside, letting the last occupant of the carriage out.

Serinity clasped her hands along with the fair woman who stepped up by her side and her young charge in a proper bow before meeting the Immortal master's eyes once more. "We are honored that you would house us on such short notice, Bai Yusheng. I thank you again for hosting this conference. Allow me to introduce you to my partner, Lada. You have spoken with her a few times."