Feng Bai De (Jun Xu)

The usual silence was broken only by the barely audible murmur of a stream that had not yet frozen outside the window. Along the paths covered with a thin layer of snow, the adepts glided like light shadows, whose white robes now blended into the surrounding paysage.

A cool breeze, playing, blows individual snowflakes into the chambers from the open window, which try to take place on the long blond hair of the Head of the Feng Clan. A perfectly straight back, snow-white clothes, a stern pale face with sapphire eyes created the impression of coldness and detachment.

The man was sorting through paperwork. In addition to the usual activities of this time of year, there was a competition planned for this month between the adepts of different Clans. The long sleeves of the hanfu lay neatly on the edge of the table, while slender fingers confidently traced the characters.

Reaching for the next piece of paper, Bai De looked at the envelope in surprise. A letter from the Head Hu? He quickly glanced over the contents. An invitation on such an occasion cannot be refused, but there is no time for idle receptions. Head Feng closed his eyes for a second, making a decision.

Feng De Shang (Xiang Jiang)

The day of the first son of the head of the Baishan Feng Order began with ordinary procedures. Getting up, washing, breakfast, meditation, tea drinking and training of adepts. He does all this mechanically, with a ceremony characteristic only of him, about which poetry will soon be written. 

It was evening and, as usual, nature generously covered the Abode of Snowy Peaks with a gray shroud. It became warmer, and the young man's heart, in search of coziness, went to his father's chambers.

The wind did not dare to dishevel the long snow-white hair, but the melting snow wet the strands, which in turn did the same to the shoulders. The robes of the Order hide his presence on the narrow path, and he glides like the wind, lifting up the ice crystals that have not yet settled with the hem of the hanfu.

Coming closer to the house, De Shang raised his head, casting a fleeting glance at the dark clouds. Tomorrow will be even colder. This means that the blizzard will end soon. The temperature at night will remind everyone that it is important to exercise their bodies. The young man knows that the little warmth in the adepts' rooms is not able to preserve even the water in the bowl. In the morning, frozen patterns will show off in them.

Several short knocks on the door shattered the silence, and a quiet the voice sounded affectionately:

— Father, this is De Shang, — He bowed ceremoniously to the closed door, knowing that Head Feng was almost always at home at this time, — Can I come in?

Feng Bai De (Jun Xu)

A knock on the door interrupted thoughts.

— Come in, — here is the solution. The Head smiled out of the corner of his lips at his eldest son. After listening to the appropriate greetings for the occasion, he pointed to the pillows, inviting him to sit down.

— De Shang, an invitation arrived from Head Hu to a reception on the occasion of his birthday. You will represent our Clan at this ceremony, — after a short pause, added, — take Xue with you. It will be useful for him to attend the reception. You have a week to get ready. Before departure I will give you a letter for the Head Hu.

Feng De Shang (Xiang Jiang)

The familiar cosiness of his father's house greeted the young man. Having brushed off his hanfu, sat down on the indicated pillow and, having listened, nodded. The instructions will certainly be carried out, and they both know it. De Shang silently poured tea into the cups and served the steaming drink.

— I'll tell brother. There is no need for you to worry, I will have time to collect what I need and prepare everything for our departure, — took a break, enjoying hot tea, — it's the coldest time now. I think the adepts can be given a few days of peace.

Feng De Shang, of course, had already thought everything through and smiled with the corner of his lips.

— Will my father mind if I take about 20 people with me? Spellcasters need practice in hiking. I will be able to show and explain everything on the spot. Those who come from other houses will be pleased to warm themselves within the walls of the Hu Clan for a few days.

Feng Bai De (Jun Xu)

Taking another sip of the aromatic drink, Feng Bai De smiled at the words. He had no doubt that De Shang would do everything as needed.

— Of course. Let Xue help you prepare. Give urgent matters to Kuang, the rest will wait for your return. Bai looked at his eldest son with pleasure. He was a success in every way: in his appearance, his face, his manners, and his diligence in his studies, which, of course, bore fruit. The young man thought about everything, as befits the heir of a powerful Order.

Feng De Shang (Xiang Jiang)

The young man finished his tea, nodded his head and said good night, agreeing with everything that had been said. He slowly stood up and headed towards the exit. To visit his father, to drink tea with him, for him, as in childhood, it was like being pressed against his mighty chest and feeling a strong hand on his head.

Neatly closing the door behind him, he went in search of his younger brother. Despite the peculiarity of the people of the Order to blend into the snow-white nature, a familiar silhouette was found after several turns of the paths. De Shang quickened his pace and, in an attempt to attract attention, raised his hand.

 — Wang, stop!

Feng Xue Wang (Zhen Kiang)

Feng Xue Wang was heading towards the mountain lake, swimming in the icy waters after evening training had already become a tradition, when the voice of his older brother called out to him. Turning, he greeted the man hurrying towards him, bowing in a traditional manner.

White hair, fluttering in the wind, lightly tickles the cheeks. Very light, almost transparent, like pieces of ice, blue eyes look expectantly at the older. The young man felt rather than saw that De Shang had an important conversation to talk to him.

Feng De Shang (Xiang Jiang)

De Shang quickly caught up with his brother and, waving his hand, offered to walk. He knew about the younger’s habits, so he paved the way so as not to delay the interlocutor. With his hands folded behind his back, walked slightly ahead, melodiously and admiringly narrating:

— Wang, Hu Dao Ming's birthday is coming soon.

— Father told us to congratulate the Head on behalf of our Order. We need to hit the road in a week. I will take the young adepts with me, it will be useful for them to travel, — Xiang Jiang smiled, lightly clapping his brother on the shoulder and squinting his eyes slyly, — Maybe you'll find your future wife there?

The older was does a break, wondering what the reaction would be.

Feng Xue Wang (Zhen Kiang)

The upcoming journey made the young man happy, but it was not noticeable from his face. The same impassive mask, the flawless features did not reflect any emotions, as if this was not a person, but a sculpture sculpted by the skillful hand of a master.

— Wife? Brother, it's too much early for me to think about such things, — even the thought of marriage disgusted Xue, — how can I help you with your preparations?

Feng De Shang (Xiang Jiang)

Smiling briefly, the older decided to answer straight to the point:

— Collect gifts for the Head Hu, I will take care of the adepts and prepare everything for our departure.

He wanted to make a joke, to achieve visible emotions on his face, and joke after joke began to visit his head, but it was not possible to voice any of them. The voice called out to De Shang. Turning around, he recognized his friend Feng Tian Kuang, and turned his gaze back to the younger one.

— Wang, I'll leave you, — turning around, the older one went towards him.