Reflections in the Midnight Pool

The moon hung low in the midnight sky, casting a ghostly pallor over the tranquil village nestled amidst the lush bamboo groves. The serene facade of the village masked a centuries-old secret, known only to a select few.

In the heart of the village, a sprawling garden unfolded like a hidden gem. Stone lanterns illuminated cobblestone paths, guiding the way to an exquisite pavilion that stood at the garden's center. Tall bamboo shoots rustled gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets to the night.

Within the pavilion, a man named Liang stood with a sense of anticipation and unease. He was a guardian of the village, sworn to protect its sacred treasure. A dragon's egg, said to contain the essence of a long-lost celestial dragon, rested upon a delicate silk cushion. The egg's iridescent shell shimmered in shades of azure and pearl, a testament to its otherworldly origin.