The summons arrived just past dawn, not as a jade slip or a disciple's call, but as a single, perfect snowflake that drifted through the sealed window of Lin Tian's pavilion.
It landed on the back of his hand as he meditated, and instead of melting, it unfolded into a complex, three-dimensional rune that hovered an inch above his skin. A soft, genderless voice spoke directly into his mind.
The Grand Elder requests your presence at the Summit of Silent Contemplation. Come alone. The path will open for you.
The rune dissolved, leaving a faint chill. Lin Tian opened his eyes. Across the room, Xueya was already watching him, a question in her gaze. Su Lan, stirring from her own meditation, felt the shift through their bond.
What was that? Su Lan's mental voice was sharp with concern.
"The Grand Elder," Lin Tian said aloud, standing up. He stretched, feeling the new, solid Earth Spirit Realm power humming in his veins. "Wants a chat."
