Knock! Knock!
A subtle knocking sound stirred Zhou from his slumber. The faint morning light spilled through the paper window, casting golden stripes across his room. Zhou blinked groggily, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
“Who could be here this early?” he muttered, stretching his arms before walking to the door.
As the door creaked open, his half-drowsy expression vanished in an instant. Standing outside was none other than Bingyue his master, the ice-cold beauty known across the sect for her untouchable elegance and unmatched power.
Zhou’s spine straightened automatically. His fatigue melted away as though it had never existed. Bowing deeply, he greeted her with respect.
“Disciple greets Master.”
Bingyue nodded faintly, her expression as calm and frosty as ever.
“M
