The pagoda at the eastern edge of the Jiunsu clan stronghold stood like a sentinel against the night sky, its tiered roofs curving gracefully upward, their edges dripping with the constant rain of the high passes.
The structure was ancient, older than many of the main buildings, built for private audiences and moments of reflection where the venerated elder could speak without the weight of the full clan watching.
Jake climbed the winding wooden stairs alone, the steps creaking softly under his boots, the sound mingling with the steady patter of rain on the tiled roof above.
Lanterns hung from the eaves, their warm light cutting through the mist and casting long shadows that danced like restless spirits.
The air was thick with the scent of wet stone, burning sandalwood incense, and the faint, herbal notes that the clan favored for clarity of mind.
