Descent from the Celestial Heights came not by temporal pathway but through the ancient art of cloud walking. Zephia guided Liu Yun and his companions onto a massive formation of cumulus clouds that had been cultivated and hardened through centuries of Sky Rider technique.
"The path to the Life Weavers requires harmony with natural rhythms," Zephia explained as they stepped onto the surprisingly solid cloud surface. "Temporal transit would disrupt the delicate growth patterns of their domain."
The cloud vessel moved with purposeful intent, riding wind currents that only the Sky Riders could perceive and navigate. From this vantage, Liu Yun observed the world's transformation as they traveled southward—jagged mountain peaks giving way to rolling hills, which gradually surrendered to the vast emerald expanse of the southern jungles.
"The vegetation grows denser with each tributary we cross," noted Lin Fei, her Water Weaver senses detecting the complex network of rivers feeding the verdant landscape below. "These waterways move with unusual purpose."
Jiang Tao consulted ancient maps he had transcribed from the Timeshaped archives. "The Life Weavers don't merely live among plants—they guide their growth through bloodline connection. Every vine and root serves their design."
As they descended lower, Liu Yun felt the Earth Shattering Sword respond to the approaching bloodline domain. The blade's edge now carried a faint luminescence that pulsed in rhythm with the swaying canopy below. His newly integrated sky essence allowed him to perceive subtle patterns in the jungle's movement—not random growth, but deliberate communication.
"We're being observed," he stated calmly, hand resting on the sword's hilt. "The forest watches our approach."
Zephia nodded. "The Life Weavers trust few outsiders. Their isolation exceeds even the Sky Riders'—we at least maintain observers in the lower world. They have withdrawn completely into their realm of perpetual growth."
The cloud vessel settled at the jungle's edge, dissipating as they stepped onto solid ground. Zephia extended her wings one final time. "This is where we part ways. Sky essence cannot linger long in such humid depths—it disrupts our connection to the air currents."
"We're grateful for your guidance," Liu Yun bowed respectfully.
"Follow the golden orchids," Zephia instructed. "They mark the path to Verdant Heart, the Life Weavers' central grove. And remember—in their domain, stillness reveals more than movement."
With that cryptic advice, she caught an updraft and ascended rapidly, soon vanishing among the clouds. The Imperial Jade Seal hovered expectantly before them, its surface displaying the sixth bloodline symbol with greater prominence—a stylized tree with roots as extensive as its branches.
The jungle received them with oppressive humidity and a cacophony of sounds—birds calling, insects buzzing, and something else beneath it all—a subtle creaking that suggested movement from the vegetation itself. Golden orchids bloomed intermittently along barely visible pathways, their luminous petals providing both direction and subtle illumination in the deepening shadows.
"The air is thick with life essence," observed Jiang Tao, his scholarly demeanor giving way to childlike wonder as he examined plants that responded to his proximity by subtly leaning toward or away from his presence. "Every living thing here seems semi-conscious."
Lin Fei moved with natural grace, her Water Weaver training allowing her to sense the flow of vital fluids through the botanical network surrounding them. "The entire jungle shares a circulatory system. It's like one vast organism."
Liu Yun remained vigilant as they followed the orchid path deeper into the increasingly dense vegetation. His enhanced perception detected purposeful movement at the periphery of his awareness—something or someone pacing them through the undergrowth.
"We come seeking the Life Weavers," he announced to the seemingly empty jungle. "The covenant must be renewed before the Sundering."
The creaking sounds intensified, and the golden orchids brightened momentarily. Then, with fluid grace, the jungle itself responded to his declaration. Vines uncoiled and branches bent, revealing a figure that had been perfectly camouflaged within the foliage.
The Life Weaver stood before them—a woman whose skin bore the textured pattern of bark and whose hair flowed like living vines, intertwined with flowering buds that opened and closed with her breathing. Her eyes were the deep green of forest canopies, with amber flecks that caught what little sunlight penetrated the dense foliage.
"Covenant seekers," she acknowledged, her voice carrying harmonics that mimicked birdsong. "I am Mei Shengcao, Third Bloom of the Verdant Heart. Your arrival was whispered through the root networks three days past."
The Imperial Jade Seal floated forward, presenting itself to Mei Shengcao. She touched it with reverence, causing the sixth symbol to pulse with vibrant energy.
"The Life Weavers remember the covenant," she confirmed. "Though many cycles have passed since outsiders walked our paths."
Liu Yun stepped forward. "We have united five bloodlines already. Only Life Weavers and Shadow Walkers remain to complete the circle before the Sundering tears reality apart."
Mei's expression remained serene, yet the plants around her responded to some inner tension—leaves curling slightly and vines tightening their coils. "The Shadow Walkers were banished from the covenant circle in ages past. Their practices twisted the natural order."
"Yet the Imperial Jade Seal guides us to seek seven bloodlines, not six," countered Jiang Tao. "The ancient texts are explicit—incomplete union invites greater calamity."
Mei studied them with ancient wisdom in her verdant eyes. "You carry mixed essences—earth's stability, water's adaptability, time's perspective, and sky's freedom. Yet you have maintained harmony between these competing forces." She gestured to the jungle around them. "Come. The Council of Roots must evaluate your worthiness."
The vegetation parted before them, revealing a path that had not existed moments before. As they followed Mei deeper into the jungle's heart, Liu Yun noticed the plants responding to their presence—reaching toward Lin Fei with apparent recognition of her Water Weaver heritage, retreating slightly from his own Earth Vein solidity.
"The plants remember bloodline affinities," Mei explained, noticing his observation. "Water nurtures growth, while earth constrains it. Both necessary, both honored, yet in eternal tension."
They entered a vast circular clearing where sunlight streamed down upon an immense tree unlike any Liu Yun had encountered. Its massive trunk bore patterns resembling ancient calligraphy, and its branches extended outward in perfect symmetry, creating a natural pavilion beneath its canopy.
"The First Tree," whispered Jiang Tao in awe. "Said to have been grown from a seed that predates the world's creation."
Seated upon massive roots that emerged from the ground like natural thrones were seven Life Weavers, each bearing unique adaptations that showcased their bloodline's diversity. Some had flowered crowns, others bark-like skin, and one appeared to photosynthesize light directly through translucent leaf-like appendages.
"The covenant seekers present themselves to the Council of Roots," announced Mei Shengcao formally.