The road to the Cloud Summit curled around mountains like a serpent reconsidering its choices. Five days of Master Jing's treatment had returned Li Feng to a state that could generously be described as "ambulatory," though watching him navigate the steeper sections of the path reminded Xiaolong of a newly hatched dragonling attempting first flight—determination vastly outweighing capability.

  "You should rest," Xiaolong suggested as they rounded a particularly treacherous bend where the path narrowed to little more than a goat's hopeful imagination. "Your meridians still show disharmony patterns in the fourth and seventh channels."

  "We're already three days behind the main delegation," Li Feng replied, pausing to lean against his walking staff without actually admitting he needed it. "The culmination ceremonies begin tomorrow. If we push through the night, we might arrive for the final demonstrations."

  Ming Lian, who had been keeping a watchful eye on his friend's condition, exchanged a glance with Xiaolong. "Impressive how your concern for your own health vanishes the moment sect reputation enters the conversation. Perhaps Master Jing should have prescribed a poultice for excessive responsibility."

  Junior Disciples Wei Lin and Chen Yun walked several paces behind, carrying most of the group's supplies with the earnest diligence of young cultivators who believed that menial tasks contained profound spiritual lessons. They had spent the entire journey performing small acts of service for Li Feng while maintaining the fiction that they weren't worried about his condition.

  "Something weird up ahead!" Hui Yun announced, materializing from a scouting run with three of its tails bristling. "Sky-taste all funny! Like big eye watching!"

  The fox had been growing increasingly agitated throughout the day, vanishing for stretches of time only to return with cryptic warnings delivered at unnecessary volume. Its behavior would have seemed merely typical for a six-tailed chaos spirit had Xiaolong not recognized the specific pattern of distress.

  "What exactly do you mean by 'sky-taste'?" Ming Lian asked, somehow maintaining a scholarly interest in Hui Yun's outbursts despite their frequency.

  "Air all thick with looking-magic! East council says that means big shots doing spy-stuff! Seventeen different spy-signs in the clouds!"

  Xiaolong studied the sky with more than mortal senses. To human perception, nothing would appear amiss—merely scattered clouds drifting across an otherwise clear autumn sky. To her draconic awareness, however, the spiritual currents revealed subtle disturbances, like ripples in a pond long after the stone has sunk.

  Dragon-sight.

  Not physical observation, but the metaphysical equivalent of leaving fingerprints on a window while peering through. Someone—or something—was watching the mortal realm from a considerable distance.

  "Is there danger?" Li Feng asked, his hand instinctively moving to his sword despite his weakened state.

  "Not immediate danger. More like... distant interest." Xiaolong chose her words carefully, translating draconic concepts into terms humans might comprehend. "Sometimes powerful entities observe from afar without direct intervention."

  "Cosmic nosy-parkers!" Hui Yun elaborated unhelpfully. "Big shots with nothing better to do than watch small-shots doing small-shot stuff!"

  Li Feng accepted this explanation with a nod, turning his attention back to the path ahead where, through a gap in the trees, the distinctive pagodas of the Cloud Summit gathering grounds had become visible. The sprawling complex sat nestled in a valley that straddled three different mountain peaks, its architecture designed to capture spiritual energy from the convergence of natural ley lines.

  "The Azure Waters pavilion would be on the eastern side," Ming Lian explained, pointing toward a cluster of blue-roofed structures. "We should reach the main gates before sundown if we maintain our pace."

  They continued their descent in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. For Xiaolong, the journey had become increasingly uncomfortable as they approached the gathering. The draconic observation grew more noticeable with each step—not hostile, but unquestionably focused. Unlike the generalized cosmic attention she had sensed earlier, this felt specific. Familiar.

  Yinlong.

  Her old companion wasn't physically present—that would have been impossible without the forbidden Descending Dragon Path that Xiaolong herself had undertaken. But dragons possessed many methods of observation, from spirit beasts bound to their will to scrying techniques that pierced the veils between realms.

  The fact that Yinlong was watching so overtly meant one of two things: either she wanted Xiaolong to know she was being observed, or the situation in dragon realms had deteriorated to the point where subtle observation was no longer possible.

  Neither option was particularly comforting.

  As the sun dipped toward the western mountains, they finally reached the ornate gates marking the entrance to the Cloud Summit grounds. Unlike most cultivation gatherings, which maintained strict security protocols, the Summit operated under ancient rules of diplomatic courtesy—any cultivator of recognized lineage could enter freely during the official gathering period.

  "Azure Waters disciples seeking entry," Ming Lian announced to the gate attendants, presenting a jade token that pulsed with the sect's spiritual signature.

  The attendants—cultivators from the neutral Valley of Gathering Winds sect that traditionally hosted the Summit—bowed respectfully. "The Azure Waters delegation arrived three days past. We shall send notification of your arrival."

  As they passed through the gates, Xiaolong felt a subtle ripple in the spiritual atmosphere—not the boundary formations she had expected, but something more profound. The entire gathering ground existed in a state of artificially heightened spiritual density, as if someone had compressed the essence of multiple sacred mountains into a single valley.

  For human cultivators, this environment provided exceptional conditions for demonstrations and breakthroughs. For Xiaolong, whose draconic mass remained poorly hidden even after months of reverse cultivation, it created an uncomfortable pressure—like wearing formal robes three sizes too small while attempting to appear completely at ease.

  "The heightened spiritual concentration feels... intense," she observed, carefully understating the discomfort.

  "The Summit's formation array compresses ambient spiritual energy to facilitate advanced technique demonstrations," Li Feng explained, his own breathing noticeably easier within the enriched atmosphere. "It's said the original design was based on ancient immortal patterns from before the Heaven-Earth Separation."

  Xiaolong suppressed a smile at this. The "ancient immortal patterns" had actually been dragon territorial markers from the third cosmic age—essentially the draconic equivalent of fence posts designating hunting grounds. Humans had been repurposing dragon artifacts for millennia without understanding their original, often mundane purposes.

  "Very fancy magic-squishing!" Hui Yun commented, bouncing through the gate with tail-tips twitching nervously. "Makes fox-fur all tingly! Like seventeen lightning bugs having dance party in my whiskers!"

  They had barely reached the central courtyard when a familiar figure emerged from the Azure Waters pavilion. Song Bai approached with the swift, fluid movements of someone whose cultivation had advanced significantly in the short time since they'd last met.

  "Elder Brother Li," she called, her typically reserved demeanor softening with evident relief. "Your condition has improved?"

  "Well enough for travel, though Master Jing advised against excessive technique demonstrations." Li Feng offered a formal salute that couldn't quite hide his pleasure at the warm reception. "I trust the delegation has represented our sect admirably?"

  "Beyond expectation." Song Bai's pride was evident despite her attempt at modesty. "Elder Wei has requested your immediate attendance when you arrived. The evening council meeting begins shortly."

  As Song Bai led them toward the sect's pavilion, Xiaolong noticed something unusual about the cultivator's spiritual signature—a subtle resonance pattern that hadn't been present before. Her water essence had developed unusual harmonic overtones, suggesting she had incorporated principles beyond standard Azure Waters techniques.

  "Your cultivation has advanced considerably," Xiaolong observed, genuine curiosity overriding caution. "The harmonic layer in your third meridian shows unusual integration patterns."

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  Song Bai couldn't quite hide her surprise at this assessment. "You can perceive specific meridian harmonics without diagnostic techniques?"

  "Senior Sister Xiaolong has exceptional perception abilities," Li Feng intervened smoothly. "Part of her unique cultivation lineage."

  "Indeed." Song Bai's gaze lingered on Xiaolong with renewed assessment. "To answer your observation—Master Jin of the Golden Sun Sect offered insights on fire-water resonance during an exchange session. Elder Wei encouraged selected disciples to incorporate compatible elements."

  This explanation made perfect sense from a cultivation perspective, yet Xiaolong detected an undercurrent of something else—pride, certainly, but also a subtle wariness directed specifically at her. Song Bai had always maintained a certain competitive distance, but this felt different. More pointed.

  The Azure Waters pavilion stood three stories tall, its blue-tiled roof curving gracefully upward at the corners like water defying gravity. Unlike many sects that favored ostentatious displays, Azure Waters maintained elegant simplicity in their architectural choices—flowing lines, subtle color gradations, and minimal ornamentation that nonetheless conveyed quiet authority.

  Inside, disciples hurried about with the particular energy of people participating in something historically significant. The Cloud Summit occurred only once every twelve years, making each gathering a pivotal moment in sect politics and advancement opportunities.

  They found Elder Wei in a private meeting chamber, reviewing formation diagrams with several senior disciples. The elder looked up as they entered, his expression revealing momentary relief before returning to its typical impassivity.

  "Fellow Daoist Li Feng," he greeted formally. "Your recovery progresses adequately?"

  "Master Jing's treatments proved effective," Li Feng replied with appropriate deference. "Though complete recovery will require additional time and specific cultivation adjustments."

  Elder Wei nodded thoughtfully, dismissing the other disciples with a subtle gesture. Once the room contained only their small group, his demeanor shifted slightly toward something approaching personal concern.

  "The delegation has maintained respectable standing in your absence," he informed Li Feng. "Song Bai's Moonlight Reflection demonstration earned particular recognition, and our junior disciples performed admirably in the formation competitions."

  "I expected nothing less," Li Feng replied with genuine pride in his fellow disciples.

  Elder Wei's attention shifted to Xiaolong. "Your absence, however, generated unanticipated consequences, Fellow Daoist Xiaolong. Master Jin of the Golden Sun Sect expressed specific disappointment when informed you would not attend."

  "So the message indicated," Xiaolong acknowledged carefully.

  "The message did not convey the full complexity." Elder Wei's fingers tapped a subtle rhythm on the table—a habit Xiaolong had observed emerged only when he discussed matters of unusual significance. "Master Jin arrived with an unexpected guest—a scholar-cultivator from the Northern Ancestral Mountains who specializes in ancient technique lineages."

  This description confirmed what Xiaolong had already suspected. The "northern guest" wasn't Yinlong in physical form—that would have been impossible without the forbidden Descending Dragon Path—but likely a human cultivator who had somehow encountered draconic knowledge.

  "This scholar, Master Zhao, claims expertise in what he calls 'Primordial Harmonization Methods' that bear unusual similarities to techniques you demonstrated during the Water Gathering Festival." Elder Wei's gaze remained fixed on Xiaolong, assessing her reaction. "When Master Jin described your prismatic water control, Master Zhao became quite insistent about meeting you."

  "These events occurred three days ago," Song Bai added. "Since then, Master Zhao has observed every Azure Waters demonstration, taking extensive notes on our technique foundations."

  Xiaolong processed this information with growing unease. Dragons rarely took interest in human cultivation methods, considering them crude approximations of cosmic principles. For a dragon-connected cultivator to show such specific interest suggested troubling possibilities.

  "Most curious," she replied, keeping her tone neutral. "Does this Master Zhao offer explanation for his interest?"

  "He claims your techniques parallel ancient methods recorded in texts he discovered in a sealed cavern beneath the Northern Ancestral Mountains." Elder Wei's expression suggested he found this explanation plausible but incomplete. "Records dating from before the Heaven-Earth Separation."

  Before the Heaven-Earth Separation. The polite historical term for when dragons withdrew from routine interaction with mortal realms after the first great cultivation war. Any texts from that era would contain dangerous proximity to actual draconic knowledge.

  "Master Jin has arranged a formal technique exchange for tomorrow's culmination ceremony," Elder Wei continued. "As the final demonstration of the Summit, representatives from each major sect will perform collaborative techniques, emphasizing harmony between different cultivation paths."

  "And he specifically requested my participation?" Xiaolong asked, already anticipating the answer.

  "Indeed. Both he and Master Zhao expressed particular interest in your 'unique lineage insights.'" Elder Wei's emphasis on these last words carried subtle warning. "I took the liberty of confirming your participation, contingent of course on your timely arrival."

  What he didn't say was equally clear: refusing would create diplomatic complications for the Azure Waters Sect while simultaneously increasing suspicious interest in Xiaolong's background.

  "I understand," she said simply.

  "Excellent. The delegation briefing begins shortly in the main hall." Elder Wei rose, indicating their private discussion had concluded. "Song Bai will show you to your assigned quarters."

  As they followed Song Bai through the pavilion's winding corridors, Xiaolong sensed the draconic observation intensifying. Not just Yinlong now, but multiple awareness patterns, each with distinctive spiritual signatures. Word had spread in dragon realms. Eyes were turning toward the mortal world with increasing focus.

  "Your quarters are here," Song Bai announced, stopping before an elegantly appointed chamber overlooking a small meditation garden. "Junior disciples have prepared everything according to standard protocols."

  "Thank you," Li Feng replied. "Will you join us for evening meal? I'd appreciate hearing more details about the delegation's activities these past days."

  "Another time, perhaps. Elder Wei has requested my assistance with preparation for tomorrow's demonstrations." Song Bai's polite refusal contained genuine regret beneath its formal phrasing, particularly when she addressed Li Feng. Her gaze shifted to Xiaolong, the warmth cooling noticeably. "Master Zhao will undoubtedly seek you out at the earliest opportunity, Fellow Daoist Xiaolong. His interest in your techniques appears... quite personal."

  With that cryptic warning, she departed, leaving them to settle into their quarters. Junior Disciples Wei Lin and Chen Yun busied themselves arranging supplies and preparing evening tea with the nervous energy of younger siblings trying to be helpful without being noticed.

  "FOX NEEDS SPECIAL ROOM!" Hui Yun announced, investigating every corner of the chamber. "Spirit beasts can't sleep with humans! Get weird dream-leaking! East council wrote big book about proper fox-sleeping arrangements!"

  "You'll stay here," Xiaolong stated flatly. "Where I can monitor your disruptive tendencies."

  "Hmph! No proper respect for ancient fox traditions!" The spirit fox settled onto a cushion with exaggerated dignity, all six tails arranged in what it clearly believed was an intimidating display.

  Li Feng watched this exchange with the particular expression of someone witnessing a familiar performance while seeing it with new understanding. "The draconic observation you sensed earlier—it's increased, hasn't it?"

  Xiaolong nearly missed a step, catching herself just before her surprise became obvious. "What makes you say that?"

  "Your posture changes when you sense it—a subtle straightening, like someone hearing their name called from across a crowded room." His observation carried no accusation, merely the quiet certainty of someone who had been paying far more attention than she'd realized. "And Hui Yun's agitation corresponds precisely with these moments."

  "See? Water-boy notices things!" Hui Yun declared. "Not just pretty face and nice water-throwing!"

  Xiaolong shot the fox a quelling look before turning back to Li Feng. "Yes," she admitted, seeing little point in denial. "The observation has intensified since we entered the Summit grounds."

  "Is it hostile?" he asked simply.

  "Not hostile. Curious. Concerned, perhaps." She chose her words carefully, balancing truth against revelation. "Powerful entities often take interest in unusual cultivation phenomena."

  Li Feng nodded, accepting this deliberately vague explanation. "Tomorrow's demonstration will likely attract even more attention, then. We should prepare accordingly."

  His calm acceptance of circumstances he couldn't possibly fully understand struck Xiaolong as yet another example of the peculiar wisdom humans occasionally demonstrated despite their limited perspective. Dragons would demand complete information before acting; Li Feng simply adapted to the reality at hand.

  As night fell across the Cloud Summit, Xiaolong stood at the chamber window, gazing at stars that seemed unusually bright—as if the boundary between mortal realm and cosmic domains had thinned.

  Somewhere beyond that veil, dragon eyes watched with growing interest. Yinlong, certainly, but others too. The court would be assembling by now, discussing the unprecedented situation her actions had created.

  The fifth scale—Self-Sovereignty—trembled. Tomorrow's demonstration would likely push it past the point of retention, beginning a transformation she couldn't control or reverse.

  "Whatever comes," Li Feng said quietly from behind her, somehow sensing the weight of her thoughts, "remember that water's greatest strength lies not in resisting pressure, but in yielding to find new paths forward."

  Xiaolong turned from the window, struck by the simple truth in his words. "Your water philosophy contains wisdom I'm only beginning to appreciate."

  "Not my philosophy," he corrected gently. "Just observations any river might teach, if one watches long enough."

  Outside, a night bird called with the particular cadence that marked it as no ordinary creature, but one of Yinlong's observer spirits. A message and a warning combined: I see you, old friend, and others are beginning to look as well.

  Tomorrow would bring challenges beyond any Xiaolong had anticipated when she first embarked on reverse cultivation.

  Strangely enough, with Li Feng's steady presence beside her and the bizarre comfort of Hui Yun's chaotic loyalty, she found the prospect more intriguing than terrifying.

  Perhaps that transformation itself was the most profound of all.