Unfazed By The Snow-Locked Mountains

Master Kai Fei Huang stood in the doorway, watching the clouds and rain swirl outside. The wind was howling around the eaves of the house and the intermittent raindrops that found their way through the gap of the door dappled his face.

The room was beautiful. It was made of wood and had delicately carved figurines in the trim. The open doorway revealed a spacious hall with a large round table in the centre and rich paintings adorning the walls.

He moved away from the door to avoid getting wet and stood by the window at the far end of the hall. Through the window, he could see the garden, now muddy and wet due to the heavy rain.

He was in a trance, mesmerized by the endless storm outside. He smoothed out his silk robe and savoured the moment. The play of lights and shadows created by the current of weather was breathtaking.

However, his joy was short-lived, for a feeling of deep sadness surfaced in his heart and scattered the trance he was in. He felt an urge growing in him to run away from his current predicament - to become untethered, free from any expectations.

His sadness grew and he could no longer deny his restless spirit. He wanted to take flight - to find a place removed from his tribulations. Somewhere far away from the memory of this moment.

The Kunlun mountains had always brought him sadness.

He walked back to his study table and sat down. Just then, he heard a knock on the door and raised his head.

It was Meng Yao. Master Kai Fei Huang forced a pale smile on his face.

The young youth wore a royal blue robe and had a delicate hairpin fastened in her long, dark hair. She smiled shyly, her delicate features illuminated by a hint of sunlight. Her skin was flawless and her almond eyes lit up as she looked at the most respected elder master who was a father-like figure to her.

''Uncle Fei, where have you been?'' Slightly bowing her head and greeting him, Meng Yao blasted her first question.

Master Fei's lips curled into a smile as he asked, ''It took me a while to get back to you, didn't it?''

''A while? Five years?'' Meng Yao was angry and he feel the anger through her words. ''You left five years ago without a goodbye and we didn't hear from you!''

''I apologize,'' Master Kai Fei Huang intoned, striding forward to face her. ''An urgent matter had presented itself.''

His hand, heavy with an apology, rested briefly on her head.

"I thought you had forgotten your way to the Kunlun mountains. What have you been doing all this time?", Meng Yao said, her eyes filled with frustration and anguish.

''Uncle, brother Jiang Xicheng is back!'' Meng Yao exclaimed with palpable joy and excitement.

Master Kai Fei Huang tried to act surprised as if he didn't know about this already. ''When did he return?''

''It's been a few weeks!'' Meng Yao stated. ''Father received the news of his arrival from our station near North district''.

Master Kai Fei Huang nodded his head quietly.

''Father is waiting for you in his study room''. Meng Yao informed.

''Okay then!'' Master Kai Fei Huang started walking with her.

The residence of the leader of the Kunlun Mountains was a majestic white building located at the heart of the mountains surrounded by immaculate grey marble.

It was built along traditional architecture and featured courtyards with gardens, and a stepped roof. Its interior was decorated with blue-and-white porcelain tiles and lacquered furniture.

The walls of its corridors and rooms were filled with calligraphy and paintings, as well as ancient artefacts gifted to the leaders by generations of followers. Its chambers held the grand and regal beauty of an ancient dynasty and contained arched doorways and a grand throne room.

There were also areas dedicated to meditation and relaxation, where those in the residence could take a break from the noise and fast pace of the day-to-day life in the Kunlun Mountains.

As they passed by the corridors, the servants and the disciples all bowed and greeted Master Kai Fei Huang who returned after a very long time. The new disciples who couldn't recognise him started whispering to each other.

Master Kai Fei Huang was in his fifties with a commanding presence. Despite his age, he carried himself with a regal air; his long robe and long hair seem to be extensions of his dignified personality. His facial features were still striking, and he was still considered a handsome man.

He devoted his life to the path of enlightenment, studying and mastering the teachings of various sages throughout his journey. People used to come from far and wide to get his advice, and he held those who sought him out in high esteem.

He believed in helping others, and his generosity had earned him the respect of the community for many years.

He was a formidable force in Chinese martial arts, capable of going toe-to-toe with any master and emerging victorious. Unrivalled in his knowledge and prowess, it was whispered amongst martial practitioners that no one could match his prowess and wit.

Meng Yao and Master Fei halted in their tracks upon spotting the boy imperiously daubing paint on the wall. A troop of servants stood by vigilantly, armed with paints, brushes and whatever other art supplies the boy desired.

Guo Haoxuan noticed the two people standing near him. He quickly got up and bowed, greeting Master Fei.

''Uncle Fei!'' He sounded surprised.

Master Fei smiled, ''Looks like you didn't let go of this passion?'' Master Fei caught the glint of determination in his eyes and was pleased.

Master Fei patted his shoulder and asked, ''Son, what are you doing these days?''

''The training has started. I have applied for a post in the royal army''. Guo Haoxuan replied.

''Great!'' Master Fei started walking and the two youths followed him.

''The snow-locked mountains couldn't keep you entertained, huh?'' Master Fei's question left a smile on Guo Haoxuan's face. He took Master Fei to the sect leader's room while Meng Yao didn't follow them, she retreated and went to the kitchen.

The rain had stopped just a few hours ago, and a light misty rain had settled over the mountains. The air was thick and damp, and the gusts of cold winds made the surroundings feel more desolate.