The annual Immortal Gathering between the four great sects of the eastern continent commenced at the Golden Dragon Pavilion. Immortals riding cranes and cloud-carriages descended from the skies, their divine auras making the surrounding mountain ranges hum.

When Yuan entered accompanied by his sister Yu Rou, thousands of gazes turned toward him. Rumors of his heavenly zither had reached the ears of the Sacred Dynasty's Crown Prince, who sat atop a golden palanquin with an arrogant smirk.

“They say your music can move the Dao,” the Crown Prince challenged, raising a golden chalice. “Perform for my court, commoner, and I shall grant you the honor of serving as my royal musician.”

Yuan sat calmly, placing his fingers upon the seven strings. “My music does not serve princes,” he replied evenly. “It answers only to the Dao.”

He struck the first note. The Golden Dragon Pavilion shook. The golden chalice in the prince's hand shattered into fine golden sand, and from the clouds above descended nine ethereal phoenixes, bowing their crowned heads before Yuan's zither.