Morning light filtered through the swirling mists atop Mt. Yougou, casting gentle rays upon the ancient halls of Narukami Shrine. Ji Bai sat quietly within a small, secluded chamber, brush in hand, his gaze heavy with concentration.
Over the past few days, a strange power had been stirring deep within him — like thunder slowly awakening from a long slumber beneath the earth.
He carefully spread a sheet of rice paper before him, the scent of ink filling the quiet room. Dipping his brush in the inkstone, his hand trembled slightly, as if distant thunder echoed faintly through his veins.
"Huayi Tongshen…" Ji Bai whispered, the name of the ancient legacy rising from the depths of his soul like a sacred chant.
Suddenly, the light in the chamber shifted. Outside the window, thunder rumbled, rolling low across the sky. The air thickened with the electric charge of lightning yet to strike.
His vision blurred, and his mind was flooded with fleeting images—
A battlefield long past, storm clouds churning violently as gods and demons clashed beneath roiling skies.
A figure cloaked in violet lightning, wielding power that shook the heavens and commanded the storm.
The vision closed in on the figure's piercing eyes — ancient and timeless, looking straight through the veils of time to meet Ji Bai's own gaze.
"You... are the heir," a voice echoed softly in his mind, filled with both authority and reverence.
Ji Bai snapped awake, chest heaving, heart pounding like a war drum.
He realized then that "Artistic Spirit Communion" was no mere skill, but a sacred power once sealed away by demons — the legacy of the Electro Archon herself — now unexpectedly awakened within him.
This power would flow through his brush, bringing his art to life and affecting the world around him.
He tightened his grip on the brush, electricity tingling along his fingertips.
"I cannot run from this. I must walk this path."
At that moment, soft footsteps sounded outside the door.
Ji Bai turned his head to see a graceful figure enter — a young woman in flowing silver-blue robes, moving with quiet elegance.
It was Kamisato Ayaka.
"You must be Ji Bai," she said softly, though her tone held unmistakable strength.
Ji Bai stood respectfully. "Yes, I am. Lady Ayaka, may I ask your purpose here?"
Ayaka smiled gently. "Narukami Shrine is closely tied to the presence of the Electro Archon. I have heard whispers of your extraordinary ability and came to see for myself."
A surge of relief and anticipation filled Ji Bai's chest — finally, someone knew his secret.
Outside, sakura petals danced lightly in the breeze, settling like soft snow upon the stone steps.
The journey ahead was only just beginning.