The sky, with its tints of blue resembling the murky depths of the sea, welcomed the arrival of the stars.
Crown Prince Ming Fei left Li Ming's house and returned to his imperial residence.
Li Ming stood outside his house as he watched Ming Fei leave.
After Ming Fei left, Li Ming's gaze lingered on the warm orange light emitted by the paper lanterns on the house across from his.
Then Li Ming went inside his house and grabbed the matchsticks. With Matchsticks in hand, Li Ming lit a fire inside the lanterns present in his house.
After lighting the last paper lantern in front of the house, Li Ming looked up at the sky and smiled.
"The sky in Beijing is the same as the sky in Hangzhou."
Li Ming shook his head and headed inside his residence.
A new tomorrow awaits.
Imperial Palace, Crown Prince Palace
Under the witness of the Starry sky, the first shi began, indicating the arrival of Midnight.
Inside the luxurious study, brightened by elegant candles and decorated with the finest silks, Ming Fei was reviewing court documents sent to him by court officials.
The study table, at the center of the room, contained the cravings of dragons created by the master craftsmen recognized by the mortal world. Now, this study table is filled with numerous stacks of paper.
Ming Fei paused while looking through the court documents as he reminisced about the conversation he had with Li Ming.
"As expected of a scholar recognized by the heavens."
To Ming Fei, the mortal world was his home.
The Ming Dynasty is his responsibility and life's work.
So Ming Fei had considered his longing for the immortal world a betrayal of his duty.
Thus, knowing that there was no difference between the Mortal and the immortal world relieved Ming Fei.
Maybe this was the answer he had longed for.
Under the rising sun, the gentle breeze carried the cries of birds marking the beginning of a new day.
Li Ming opened his eyelids from the stinging rays of sunlight coming through the closed curtains.
After reluctantly waking up, Li Ming brushed his teeth and cleaned himself. Li Ming had worn the expensive white robe from his closet for a special occasion.
Li Ming headed towards the street vendor selling steamed buns to eat breakfast.
After quickly getting his steamed buns, which Li Ming attributed to his garments, Li headed towards the Yan Pavilion while eating his steamed buns.
After promptly eating and washing his hands, Li Ming headed inside the Yan Pavilion with his precious gold coins.
After reciting the phrase to access the transaction room, Owner Wei and Li Ming sat opposite each other, ready to begin a new transaction.
"It's nice to see you again, Esteemed Customer?"
Wei Xan began the conversation.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Owner Wei?"
"Oh, please, you humor me. Now, what would be your request, dear customer?"
"I would like to know my qualifications?"
At those words, Wei Xan nodded his head, with his eyes and face screaming 'As expected'.
Seeing that expression, Li Ming couldn't help but joke about it.
"It seems that owner Wei had expected my request?"
"Oh yes! Many customers who ask for information on immortal sects would request an informal qualification test?"
Owner Wei had gotten up from his seat and opened one of the cabinets in the room to take out a hand-sized rectangular stone tablet made of an unknown black ore.
As Owner Wei brought the stone tablet closer to him, Li Ming could see the faint silver glow coming from the stone tablet along with the intricate runes carved onto the stone tablet.
This marks the beginning of the story.
The story, known as 'Empty Fate'.